By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, has granted the Federal Government’s request to adjourn the criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to February 23, 2026. The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), relates to allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to kill her.
During Monday’s proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Ehiogie West Idahosa (SAN), appeared in court and noted that the prosecution was absent. He also highlighted that while the prosecution had filed a letter requesting adjournment, he had not been served, arguing that notices of this nature are required to be delivered to the defence at least 48 hours before a hearing. He urged the court to proceed with the day’s scheduled hearing on the defendant’s preliminary objection, which challenges the AGF’s filing of two similar charges against her simultaneously.
In her ruling, Justice Orji acknowledged that the adjournment request fell short of procedural requirements but approved it in the interest of justice, rejecting the defence’s plea to continue with the hearing.
The prosecution, in a counter-affidavit, dismissed claims that filing charges at both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court, Abuja, amounted to an abuse of court process. It stated that the three-count charge before the FCT High Court followed a thorough investigation, was filed under the Penal Code, and fell within the AGF’s constitutional powers. The prosecution added that the charges were initiated with consideration for public interest, justice, and the prevention of abuse of legal processes.
The case remains pending until its rescheduled hearing in February 2026.
