Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime offences until 4 February 2026 for commencement of hearing.

The matter, slated for Monday, could not proceed owing to the judge’s absence. The case had also failed to hold on 21 October due to a protest led by activist Mr. Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted on terrorism charges.

Justice Umar had earlier fixed 21 October for hearing after the trial was stalled on account of an objection raised by the defence. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on 30 June on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the case was adjourned to 22 September for trial.

However, on the last adjourned date, just as the prosecuting lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe, was set to call the first witness—following the mounting of a television screen in the courtroom in preparation for proceedings—the defence raised an objection.

Defence counsel, Mr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, told the court that a notice of preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction had been filed. He said the objection was not on the nature of the charge but on what he described as an abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). He also complained that the prosecution had not served the defence with witness statements.

Although Mr. Kaswe argued that the objection should not stall proceedings, Justice Umar insisted that the prosecution must first respond. The judge held that he intended to determine the defence’s objection before taking further steps in the matter.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information via electronic means, allegedly intended to malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order. She is alleged to have told a gathering on 4 April in Ihima, Kogi State, that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had instructed former Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello, to have her killed.

She is also accused of repeating similar allegations during a television interview, claiming that both men plotted to assassinate her in Kogi State.

The charges were brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.