Trial of Natasha stalled again as court adjourns cybercrime case to February 2026

Trial of Natasha stalled again as court adjourns cybercrime case to February 2026

The trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged violations of the Cybercrimes Act was once again stalled on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar. The case, earlier scheduled for hearing, has now been adjourned to February 4, 2025, for commencement of trial.

This marks the second failed attempt to proceed with the cybercrime trial, after the October 21 hearing was disrupted by activists led by Omoyele Sowore, who protested the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu at the court premises. Earlier, on September 22, proceedings were halted after the defence filed a preliminary objection.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, following petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

READ ALSO:

• Everton stun Man United at Old Trafford with 10 men in historic Premier League victory
• UK rejects Nigeria’s request to transfer Ekweremadu, insists he must serve full jail term
• Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

She was granted bail, and the case was adjourned to September 22 for trial. However, at the resumed sitting, defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) objected to the commencement of proceedings, insisting that the prosecution had not served witness statements and challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He alleged an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe urged the court to continue with the trial, but Justice Umar held that the prosecution must respond to the preliminary objection before any further steps could be taken.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information via electronic platforms with intent to malign, incite violence, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.

The prosecution alleges that on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, the senator claimed that Akpabio directed former governor Bello to have her killed — a claim she allegedly repeated during a television interview. The allegations fall under offences outlined in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

The case will resume in February, pending the court’s determination of the jurisdictional challenge.

Trial of Natasha stalled again as court adjourns cybercrime case to February 2026