The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for February 4, 2026, over alleged cybercrime charges.
The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, had intended to start proceedings on Monday but was absent, prompting the adjournment.
The trial had previously been postponed several times. On October 21, hearings did not take place due to protests led by activist Omoyele Sowore calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Earlier, the judge had set September 22 for the trial’s commencement following the senator’s arraignment and bail on June 30.
During the last scheduled hearing, as the prosecution prepared to call its first witness, the defence lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised a preliminary objection questioning the court’s jurisdiction.
He stated that the objection is based on the alleged misuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation, and not on the charges themselves.
The defense also argued that they had not received copies of statements from prosecution witnesses, which they claimed hindered their ability to properly prepare for the trial.
The prosecution, led by David Kaswe, argued that the objection should not halt proceedings. However, Justice Umar emphasised that the court must first resolve the jurisdictional question before any trial could proceed.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faces six counts of transmitting false and harmful information through electronic means.
She is accused of making statements that allegedly maligned, incited, and endangered lives while breaching public order.
Specifically, she is said to have claimed on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
She reportedly repeated these allegations in a televised interview, asserting that both officials plotted against her.
The charges have been filed under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024.
The court will now resume the trial on February 4, 2026, at which point the proceedings are expected to begin in earnest, pending resolution of the preliminary jurisdictional issue.
