The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on cybercrime allegations until February 4, 2026.
The hearing, which was set for this Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar, could not take place due to the judge’s absence.
This new date marks the official start of the trial. This is the latest in a series of delays for the case.
A previous hearing scheduled for October 21 was also postponed, reportedly due to a protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The six-count indictment, filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, was brought against Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan on June 30.
She was granted bail, and the trial was initially set to begin on September 22.
However, when the prosecuting attorney, David Kaswe, was ready to call the first witness, the defense attorney, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), intervened after a television screen was installed in the courtroom.
West-Idahosa (SAN) raised a preliminary objection, questioning the prosecution’s ability to proceed.
He informed the court that a notice had been filed to contest the court’s jurisdiction over the case.
The objection focused on the alleged misuse of the prosecutorial powers of the minister of justice, rather than the charges themselves.
The defense also noted that they had not received the necessary copies of the prosecution witnesses’ statements.
While the prosecution argued that the objection should not delay the court proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution must first formally address the preliminary objection.
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The judge stated his intention to resolve the objection before proceeding with any further steps in the case.
The charges against Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan are based on the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024.
She is accused of transmitting false and harmful information electronically, intending to incite malice, unrest, and disrupt public order.
Specifically, she is alleged to have made a public statement on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
She is also accused of reiterating similar claims during a later television interview, asserting that both men conspired to plot her assassination in Kogi State.
