Judge’s Absence Stalls Natasha Akpoti Cybercrime Trial; Case Adjourned to February 2026
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has again adjourned proceedings in the cybercrime case against Senator Natasha Akpoti, following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar. The matter, which was scheduled for hearing on November 24, 2025, has now been rescheduled to February 4, 2026.
Senator Akpoti faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The Federal Government alleges that she made online comments capable of harming the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charge specifically cites:
– Section 24(2)(c) – intentional transmission of threats via computer systems or networks.
– Section 24(1)(b) – acts contrary to provisions on harmful communications.
Akpoti has pleaded not guilty, paving the way for trial.
Akpoti’s counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court and alleging an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). He argued that the objection must be resolved before the prosecution can open its case.
Conversely, D.E. Kaswe, Assistant Director at the Department of Public Prosecutions, contended that the objection should not stall proceedings.
Justice Umar, however, ruled that the AGF must file a formal written response before trial can proceed, stressing that objections touching on jurisdiction must be determined first in line with established legal principles.
This case underscores the Federal Government’s growing reliance on the Cybercrime Act as a tool of enforcement. Legal commentators and civil society groups have raised concerns that the Act, while designed to combat cyber offences, could be deployed to suppress dissent and stifle press freedom.
The adjournment prolongs what has become a high-profile test case for the balance between state prosecutorial powers and constitutional rights to free expression in Nigeria.
