Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Postponed

The cybercrime case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was stalled on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar.

The trial, earlier set to continue on November 25, has now been adjourned to February 4, 2025.

The matter had also been unable to proceed on October 21, following protests at the court premises led by activists advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently convicted of terrorism-related offences.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation. The charges stem from petitions sent by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.

She was granted bail after her arraignment, and trial was initially scheduled to begin on September 22. However, at the resumed hearing, the defence team raised a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction and alleging abuse of prosecutorial powers. The defence also said they had not received witness statements from the prosecution.

Justice Umar directed the prosecution to respond to the objection before the trial could proceed, stating that jurisdictional issues must be resolved first.

In case number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, the senator is accused of disseminating false and harmful information electronically, with allegations that she accused Akpabio of directing Bello to have her harmed—claims she reportedly repeated during a media interview.
The charges fall under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.