AGF Denies Abuse of Court Process in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Defamation Trial, Hearing Adjourned to December 1
The Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has refuted allegations of abuse of court process in the ongoing criminal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
On 19 June 2025, the Federal Government arraigned the senator before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, on a three‑count charge of criminal defamation allegedly directed at the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
In her response, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan contended that the prosecution’s action amounted to an abuse of process, citing the existence of a related charge pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja. That matter involves alleged cybercrime offences arising from her claims that Akpabio and Bello conspired to have her killed.
At the last sitting, the court had fixed 27 October for hearing of the defendant’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of the FCT High Court proceedings. However, at Monday’s session, counsel from the AGF’s office rejected the senator’s claim, insisting that both sets of charges were properly filed after comprehensive investigations and upon the establishment of a prima facie case.
In a counter‑affidavit opposing the preliminary objection, the prosecution maintained that:
– The three‑count charge before the FCT High Court was filed pursuant to the Penal Code Law and in the bona fide exercise of the AGF’s constitutional prosecutorial powers.
– All petitions submitted by the defendant were duly investigated by the Nigerian Police Force.
– The charges were instituted in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.
At the proceedings, Mr. David Kaswe, counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the prosecution had filed its counter‑affidavit but was unable to serve same on the defence. He therefore sought a short adjournment to enable proper service.
Defence counsel, Ehiogie West‑Idahosa, SAN, confirmed that the counter‑affidavit had not been served and indicated that the defence would respond once service was effected. He further requested a long adjournment, citing the absence of members of the defence team who were scheduled to attend the International Bar Association (IBA) conference in Canada.
In a brief ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji granted the adjournment and fixed 1 December 2025 for the hearing of the defendant’s preliminary objection alongside the prosecution’s counter‑affidavit.
