Court Shifts Senator Natasha’s Cybercrime Trial To Nov 24
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime offences to November 24, 2025.
The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who had earlier fixed Monday for the commencement of trial, was absent due to the protest led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
As a result, court activities were grounded on Monday, with Justice Umar’s courtroom, located on the third floor of the court complex, under lock and key.
The matter was consequently rescheduled for Tuesday, when normal activities resumed, and the new date of November 24 was fixed.
The Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar.
She was granted bail after pleading not guilty, with the court initially setting September 22 for the commencement of her trial.
However, on that date, proceedings were stalled after her lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The defence argued that the charge amounted to an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and that they had not been served with copies of witness statements.
Although the prosecution, represented by David Kaswe, urged the court to proceed, Justice Umar ruled that the objection must first be determined before the trial could continue.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is accused of transmitting false and injurious information through electronic means with intent to malign, incite, and endanger lives, as well as breach public order.
She was alleged to have, during a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of instructing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She reportedly repeated the claim during a television interview.
The case, brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, is now expected to resume on November 24, 2025, for further hearing.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
