The trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on cybercrime allegations has been postponed to February 4, 2026, following the absence of the presiding judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The trial, which involves charges filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was scheduled for November 24 but could not proceed as Justice Mohammed Umar was away on an official assignment. Court officials informed lawyers and parties involved that no proceedings would take place.
This marks the second recent delay in the case. The trial had earlier been set for September 22 but was interrupted when a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu disrupted court activities. With the resumption of court functions, the case was fixed again for November 24 before being postponed due to the judge’s prior engagement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was initially arraigned on June 30, 2025, on six counts of transmitting false and harmful information electronically with the intent to malign, incite danger, and disrupt public order. She was granted bail, and the trial was set to begin in September. During the last scheduled session, the prosecution was preparing to call its first witness when the defense raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and citing misuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation. The defense also raised concerns about not receiving copies of witness statements.
The charges allege that during a public gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, and in a subsequent television interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that the Senate President instructed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to target her life. The case is being prosecuted under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, and Amendment Act 2024.
The Federal High Court will now hear the case starting February 4, 2026, as parties await the judge’s return and the resolution of the pending preliminary objection.