Protest delays Akpoti-Uduaghan’s cybercrime case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in a case involving alleged cybercrime to November 24, 2025, following disruptions caused by protests and unresolved legal objections.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who was scheduled to commence the trial on Monday, was unable to sit as a result of demonstrations led by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Court operations at the third floor of the high court complex were halted, with the courtroom under lock and key. When normal proceedings resumed on Tuesday, the case was officially adjourned to late November.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is facing a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar. She was arraigned on June 30 and granted bail, with the trial initially set to begin in September.

At the previous sitting on September 22, the defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case.

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He argued that the prosecution had abused the powers of the Attorney General of the Federation and had not served the defence with essential witness statements.

Although the prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, urged the court to proceed with presenting the first witness, Justice Umar ruled that the objection must be determined before the case could continue.

According to court filings, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of using electronic means to transmit false and injurious information intended to malign, incite, and endanger lives as well as disrupt public peace — violations under the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2024.

The allegations stem from public statements in which she reportedly claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had plotted to kill her during a political event in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, 2025.

The senator has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that her remarks were taken out of context.

The case is now expected to resume on November 24, when the court will first rule on the jurisdictional objection before hearing testimony from the prosecution’s witnesses.

NAN