Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cybercrime trial adjourned to Nov 24 after court disruption caused by #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Cybercrime Trial has been rescheduled to November 24 by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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The change followed the disruption of court proceedings caused by the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore on October 20.

Justice Umar’s courtroom, situated on the third floor of the Federal High Court complex, was under lock and key on Monday, with all judicial activity stalled due to the protest.

The case had originally been listed for hearing on that date.

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, faces a six-count cybercrime charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.

She is accused of transmitting false and injurious content electronically, allegedly with intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disturb public peace.

The charges stem from statements she reportedly made on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, where she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of instructing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.

She is also alleged to have reiterated the claims in a television interview, stating both men had conspired to eliminate her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 and granted bail. The trial was scheduled to commence on September 22, but was stalled after her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, raised a preliminary objection.

The defence questioned the court’s jurisdiction and alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.

West-Idahosa also informed the court that the defence had not received prosecution witness statements, which further complicated the commencement of proceedings.

While prosecuting counsel David Kaswe argued that the objection should not delay the day’s session, Justice Umar ruled that the objection must be resolved first.

He stated that no further steps would be taken until the prosecution filed its response and the court delivered a ruling on the matter.

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With the new date now set for November 24, the court is expected to determine the preliminary objection before any witness testimony or trial proceedings begin.