Alleged Cybercrime: Judge’s Absence Delays Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, charged with alleged cybercrime, until February 4, 2026.

The case, scheduled to proceed on Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar, could not commence due to the judge’s absence. This is not the first delay; the trial was also postponed on October 21 following protests organized by Mr. Omoyele Sowore, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted of terrorism offences.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was initially arraigned on June 30, 2025, on a six-count charge brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the case was adjourned to September 22 for trial commencement.

However, on the last adjourned date, the trial was interrupted when the defence lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction before the prosecution could call its first witness. The objection, West-Idahosa clarified, did not dispute the charges but alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and claimed the defence had not received copies of prosecution witness statements.

The prosecution, represented by David Kaswe, argued that the objection should not delay proceedings. Justice Umar, however, stated that the objection must be addressed before the trial could continue.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in charge FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically with the intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order. She allegedly claimed during a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She reportedly repeated similar allegations in a television interview.

The charges are brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024.