Court Adjourns Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial to February 2026

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until February 4, 2026. The trial, originally scheduled for Monday, was delayed due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the case. This adjournment adds to previous delays, including one caused by a protest on October 21, which disrupted court proceedings.

The case against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, stems from a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. The senator faces allegations of transmitting false and injurious electronic information intended to malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order.

Specifically, the charges relate to remarks Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made on April 4 at a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, where she accused the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, of allegedly instructing former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She also reportedly reiterated these claims in a television interview, thereby allegedly committing the offense under the cybercrime law.

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The trial had been postponed multiple times, including a notable instance on September 22 when the defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, filed a preliminary objection contesting the court’s jurisdiction based on alleged prosecutorial abuse by the Attorney-General of the Federation. This objection stalled the commencement of the trial as Justice Umar decided to hear the objection before proceeding further.

On previous scheduled trial dates, defence objections and procedural delays, including the absence of witness statements served to the defence, have contributed to the slow progress of the case. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail following her arraignment on June 30, 2025.

With the next trial date set for early February 2026, the legal battle is expected to continue amid heightened public and political interest given the high-profile nature of the allegations and the parties involved.

This development continues to draw attention to the intersection of politics, law, and cybercrime in Nigeria’s evolving legal landscape.