The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to November 24, 2025.
The new date was set on October 21, following the disruption of court proceedings on October 20 due to the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore. Judicial activities at the court complex were grounded, and Justice Umar’s courtroom on the third floor remained locked throughout the day.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a six-count charge in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar. She is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically with intent to incite, endanger lives, and disturb public peace.
According to the charge, the senator allegedly claimed during a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had instructed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. The claims were reportedly repeated in a television interview.
The case is being prosecuted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was first arraigned on June 30 and was granted bail. The trial was scheduled to begin on September 22, but was adjourned after her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, raised a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
West-Idahosa argued that the charges amounted to an abuse of prosecutorial power by the Attorney General of the Federation, and also noted that the defence had not received statements from the prosecution’s witnesses.
While prosecuting counsel David Kaswe insisted that the objection should not delay the proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the issue must be resolved before the trial could move forward.
The judge stated that the court would determine the objection before taking any further steps in the matter.
