The senator was alleged to have accused Senator Godswill Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to have her killed.
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged cybercrime until February 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial. The matter, which was fixed for Monday by Justice Mohammed Umar, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence.
The matter also did not hold on October 21 due to a protest organised by activist Omoyele Sowore, who was demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted on terrorism offences.
Justice Umar had previously fixed October 21 for hearing after the trial was stalled on September 22 because of an objection raised by the defendant.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the court adjourned until September 22 for trial commencement.
However, on the last adjourned date, when the prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, was about to open his case by calling the first witness, the defence lawyer raised an objection. This occurred after a television screen had already been mounted in the courtroom in preparation for proceedings.
The defence lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), expressed concern about the prosecution’s attempt to open its case. He informed the court that a notice of preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction had been filed. He explained that the objection was not about the nature of the charge but about an alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.
He also complained about not being served copies of the prosecution witnesses’ statements.
Although Kaswe argued that the objection should not be allowed to delay the day’s proceedings, Justice Umar insisted that the prosecution must first respond to the objection. The judge stated that he intended to determine the objection before taking further steps in the case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is alleged to have transmitted false and injurious information electronically with the intention to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order. She was alleged to have told a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She was also alleged to have repeated similar claims during a television interview.
The charge is brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024.
