Table of Contents
- Trial Adjourned to November 24
- Judge's Absence Due to Protest
- Previous Hearing and Objections
- Allegations Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Kogi North Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing allegations of cybercrime, to November 24.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who had scheduled Monday for the trial's commencement, was reportedly absent from court due to a protest organized by Mr. Omoyele Sowore, advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
On Monday, Justice Umar's court was reportedly locked, preventing any court activities from proceeding.
However, the case was rescheduled for November 24 when court activities resumed on Tuesday.
According to DAILY POST, the judge had set this date for the hearing on September 22 after the trial was delayed due to an objection raised by the defendant.
It is worth noting that Natasha was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge brought by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.
She was granted bail, and Justice Umar postponed the trial until September 22 for its commencement.
During the last adjourned session, when the prosecuting attorney, David Kaswe, was about to present the first witness, the defense attorney raised an objection.
This occurred after a television screen had been installed in the courtroom in preparation for the proceedings.
The defense attorney, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, expressed doubts regarding the prosecution's ability to proceed with its case.
West-Idahosa informed the court that a notice of preliminary objection challenging the court's jurisdiction to hear the case had already been submitted.
He clarified that the objection was not about the nature of the charges but rather concerning the alleged misuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The attorney also raised concerns about not receiving copies of the prosecution witnesses' statements.
Although Kaswe argued that the defendant's objection should not delay the court's proceedings, Justice Umar insisted that the prosecution must first address the objection.
The judge stated that he intended to resolve the defense's objection before proceeding with any further actions in the case.
Natasha, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is accused of transmitting false and damaging information via electronic means with the intent to defame, incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.
She allegedly claimed, while speaking at an event on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi to have her killed in the state.
Additionally, she is alleged to have reiterated similar claims during a television interview, asserting that the Senate president and the former governor conspired to kill her in Kogi.
The charges are brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new date for the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?
The trial has been rescheduled to November 24.
Why was the trial postponed?
The trial was postponed due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar, who was attending a protest related to another matter.
What are the allegations against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?
She is accused of transmitting false information via electronic means with the intent to defame and incite violence, among other charges.
