Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s cybercrime trial has been adjourned to November 24 after protests disrupted court sittings in Abuja

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will now face trial on November 24 following the Federal High Court’s decision to adjourn proceedings in her alleged cybercrime case due to a protest that paralysed court activities in Abuja.

Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Cybercrime Trial Rescheduled

Justice Mohammed Umar, who was to preside over the trial on Monday, was absent as protesters led by activist Omoyele Sowore gathered outside the court demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The courtroom on the third floor remained locked as the demonstration disrupted normal proceedings.

When activities resumed on Tuesday, the case was officially moved to November 24. The matter had earlier been fixed for October 21 after a previous adjournment on September 22, following objections raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defence counsel.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, 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, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024.

At the last sitting, the prosecution was set to call its first witness, with a television screen already mounted in court for evidence presentation.

However, defence lawyer Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, objected to the commencement, citing a pending preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

West-Idahosa argued that the objection was not against the nature of the charge but against what he described as an abuse of prosecutorial power by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

He also complained that the defence had not been served with the witnesses’ statements.

Despite the prosecution’s plea to proceed, Justice Umar insisted on resolving the jurisdictional objection before continuing with the trial.

The charges against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan allege that she transmitted false and injurious information with intent to incite and endanger lives.

She is accused of publicly claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to have her killed — allegations she reportedly repeated during a television interview.

Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan faces senate drama

The court’s next sitting is expected to determine whether the prosecution can proceed or whether the defence’s objection will stall the trial further.