The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime offences to November 24, 2025.
The hearing, earlier scheduled for October 20, could not hold due to protests in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. The demonstrations disrupted normal activities in the city, preventing several workers and court officials from accessing their offices.
A court official confirmed on Tuesday that Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the matter, has now fixed November 24 for the continuation of the case.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. She is accused of transmitting false and injurious information with the intent to malign individuals, incite the public, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.
According to the charge, the alleged offences occurred on April 4, 2025, during a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, where she reportedly claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. The prosecution also alleges that she repeated the claim during a television interview.
At the last hearing on September 22, the prosecution’s plan to call witnesses was stalled by a preliminary objection filed by the defence. Her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), challenged the court’s jurisdiction, alleging abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and non-service of witness statements on the defence team.
Prosecution counsel David Kaswe urged the court to dismiss the objection, arguing that it was intended to delay proceedings.
Justice Umar directed the prosecution to respond to the objection before the next hearing, which will now hold on November 24, 2025.
