Federal High Court Fixes New Date for Senator Natasha’s Trial on Cybercrime Allegations

• Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime offences to November 24, following disruptions caused by a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime charges to November 24, 2025.

The trial, initially slated to commence on October 20, was stalled due to a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore in front of the court complex, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

When normal court activities resumed on Tuesday, Justice Umar fixed November 24 for continuation of proceedings.

The court had earlier, on September 22, adjourned the case after defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) filed a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Amendment) Act 2024.

She was granted bail, but the trial has faced multiple delays due to procedural objections from the defence.

At the last hearing, prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, was set to call the first witness when West-Idahosa objected, arguing that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)’s prosecutorial powers had been abused and that the defence had not been served witness statements.

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“Our objection is not about the charge itself but the abuse of prosecutorial powers of the AGF,” West-Idahosa told the court.

Kaswe, however, urged the court to proceed, insisting that the objection should not stall the case. But Justice Umar ruled that the defence’s objection must be determined first, stating that “the court will not take further steps until jurisdictional issues are resolved.”

According to court documents, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically, allegedly aimed at maligning and inciting violence, in violation of the cybercrime law.

She allegedly made statements during an April 4 event in Ihima, Kogi State, and repeated them in a television interview, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of instructing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.

The prosecution alleges that her comments were intended to endanger lives and breach public order.

Justice Umar’s next ruling on November 24 will determine whether the court proceeds to trial or upholds the defence’s objection challenging jurisdiction.