The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the cybercrime trial of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to November 24.

The new hearing date was fixed on October 21, following the resumption of court activities that were stalled the previous day due to the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest organised by activist Omoyele Sowore.

The protest had disrupted proceedings on October 20, the initial date slated for the trial in the Court.

On Monday, Justice Umar’s courtroom, located on the third floor of the Federal High Court, was under lock and key as judicial activities were grounded.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is alleged to have transmitted false and injurious information via electronic means with the intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order.

The senator is accused of alleging, during a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, instructed former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, to have her killed in the state.

She was further alleged to have repeated the claims during a television interview, stating that both men plotted to eliminate her in Kogi.

The charge was brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Justice Umar had earlier, on September 22, adjourned the matter following an objection raised by the defence.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.

She was granted bail thereafter, and the case was adjourned to September 22 for commencement of trial.

However, on the last adjourned date, when prosecuting counsel David Kaswe was about to call the first witness, the defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

West-Idahosa told the court that the objection was not against the nature of the charge but on grounds of alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.

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

Although Kaswe argued that the objection should not stall the day’s proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution must first respond to the defence’s objection before the case could proceed.

The judge said he would determine the objection before taking any further steps in the matter.

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A teenager, Joy Ogah, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the platform to advocate passionately for the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place during a meeting on Monday between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the challenges facing girls in the country, noting that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, more than 60 per cent of whom are girls.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise interventions that protect and empower young girls.

Ogah also urged the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. She stressed that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,” she said.

Shettima also used the occasion to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.

“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said.

Recent reports from PUNCH Online indicate growing national momentum toward gender inclusivity in education. On October 20, 2025, advocacy groups urged all tiers of government to invest more in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes, calling for stronger efforts to eliminate gender bias in schools.

In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) targeting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas through livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.

Similarly, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have reinforced support for gender parity and access to learning.

The government’s recent workshop on inclusive education, coupled with the Student Loans Act and increased education funding, reflects ongoing institutional commitment to equity — a goal echoed in Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Dr Bernard Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, forwarding his name to the Senate for confirmation.

Doro’s nomination comes after the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, who was elected National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress in July.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the nomination in a statement issued Tuesday.

Presidency officials familiar with the developments had told our correspondent that the President, during a private meeting with close aides on Monday evening, expressed his intention to name nominees to occupy two vacant portfolios in his cabinet, including that of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned weeks ago.

Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Onanuga said Doro brings more than two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community development in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

“He has degrees in Pharmacy and law, an MBA focusing on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice..

“He is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices, and hospital settings,” the statement read.

Beyond his medical and administrative expertise, Doro has been active in youth mentorship and social impact initiatives in both the Nigerian diaspora and local communities.

If confirmed, he will join President Tinubu’s cabinet and be sworn in at a Federal Executive Council meeting.

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