The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday postponed the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing charges of alleged cybercrime, to February 4, 2026, due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar.
The case had earlier been scheduled for October 21 but was unable to hold because of a protest led by Omoyele Sowore over the detention of Nnamdi Kanu. Justice Umar had initially fixed the October date after the September 22 proceedings were halted following an objection by the defence.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, and was granted bail. However, on the last adjourned date, when the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, attempted to open his case, the defence lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), objected.
West-Idahosa informed the court that a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction—based on alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney-General of the Federation—had been filed. He also claimed that the defence had not received the prosecution witnesses’ statements.
While the prosecution argued that the objection should not interrupt the day’s proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the defence’s application must first be addressed before the trial can continue.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is being tried under the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention (Amendment) Act 2024. She is accused of disseminating false and harmful information, including claims made during an April 4 gathering in Ihima and in a television interview, alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
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