The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed proceedings in the cybercrime case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, was unavailable for Monday’s sitting. The trial, which had been slated to continue, has now been rescheduled for February 4, 2026, when the court is expected to begin hearing evidence.
This marks another delay in a case that has faced repeated adjournments since Akpoti-Uduaghan was first arraigned on a six-count charge earlier in the year. The matter had previously stalled on multiple occasions, including a missed sitting in October after public disturbances near the court complex and an earlier session disrupted by a procedural objection from the defence.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently out on bail, is facing allegations of transmitting false and harmful information through electronic channels. The prosecution claims she made public statements capable of inciting unrest, endangering lives, and damaging reputations. According to the charge, she allegedly accused senior political figures of plotting to harm her during a political gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, and repeated similar allegations during a televised interview.
At an earlier hearing, the prosecution had been prepared to open its case, with courtroom equipment already set up for the presentation of evidence. However, the defence objected, insisting the court must first rule on a preliminary challenge questioning the court’s jurisdiction and alleging an improper use of prosecutorial powers. The defence also argued that it had not been provided with all necessary witness statements.
Justice Umar agreed that the jurisdictional objection must be resolved before any witness testimony could be taken, directing the prosecution to respond formally. That ruling effectively placed the trial on hold pending the court’s determination of the defence’s application.
The new adjournment extends the delay further, keeping the start of the substantive trial on hold until early next year. When proceedings resume in February, the court is expected to rule on the preliminary objection before determining whether the prosecution may call its first witness.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is being prosecuted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024, which criminalizes the transmission of false or harmful information through electronic platforms when such communication poses risks to public safety, order, or individual lives.
The trial is anticipated to draw continued national attention given its political implications and the high-profile individuals named in the allegations. The February hearing is expected to clarify the next steps in what has already become a protracted legal battle.
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