By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on cybercrime charges to February 4, 2025, after Monday’s proceedings failed to hold due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar.
The case had earlier stalled on October 21 following a protest in court by activist Omoyele Sowore over the detention of Nnamdi Kanu. Justice Umar had originally scheduled the hearing after a previous delay caused by a defense objection.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, accusing her of transmitting false and harmful information with intent to incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order. The allegations relate to her claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello plotted to kill her.
At the last sitting, defense counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa interrupted the start of trial, arguing that a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction had already been filed and needed to be addressed first. Justice Umar agreed, directing the prosecution to respond before the court proceeds.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is brought under the Cybercrimes Act (Amendment) 2024.
