Defamation case: Court adjourns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s trial to February 23

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja on Monday adjourned further proceedings in the criminal defamation case against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to February 23, 2026.

Justice Chizoba Oji granted the adjournment following a request by the Federal Government.

The prosecution, representing the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), sent a letter asking for the date to be moved, though no counsel appeared in court to announce the application.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Ehiogie Idahosa, SAN, protested that the defence was not served the adjournment request within the 48-hour window required by law.

He argued that the letter filed on Monday morning was incompetent and urged the court to proceed with the day’s scheduled business, which was the hearing of the senator’s preliminary objection.

Justice Oji acknowledged that the prosecution’s application did not meet the procedural threshold but held that granting the adjournment was necessary “in the interest of justice.”

She declined Idahosa’s plea to continue with the day’s proceedings and moved the matter to 2026.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, attended the court session with her husband.

The senator is standing trial for alleged criminal defamation over her claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello purportedly plotted to kill her.

Read also: Senator Natasha Uduaghan: An icon of selfless leadership

In her preliminary objection, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenges the AGF’s decision to file two similar charges against her simultaneously at the Abuja High Court and the Federal High Court.

However, in its counter-affidavit, the prosecution argued that the three-count charge before the High Court was filed after a “thorough investigation” that established a prima facie case. It maintained that the charges were validly brought under the Penal Code and in proper exercise of the AGF’s constitutional powers.

According to the prosecution, all petitions related to the matter were fully investigated by the Nigerian Police Force, and the resulting charges were filed in the public interest and in line with extant laws.

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