An Abuja High Court on Monday granted the Federal Government’s request to adjourn further proceedings in the defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, rescheduling the hearing for 23 February 2026.
Justice Chizoba Oji approved the adjournment, despite the defence’s objection that the prosecution had not provided the mandatory 48-hour notice. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie Idahosa, SAN, argued that the court should proceed with the day’s business, which included hearing the senator’s preliminary objection. However, the judge ruled that the adjournment was in the interest of justice.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is facing criminal defamation charges over claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello allegedly plotted to kill her. In her preliminary objection, she challenged the AGF’s decision to file two similar charges against her simultaneously.
The prosecution countered that the charges were legitimate, filed after a thorough investigation, and did not constitute an abuse of court process. It stated that the three-count charge was instituted in accordance with the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers, taking public interest and justice into account.
“The criminal charge against the defendant is based on comprehensive investigations, including all petitions related to the case by the Nigerian Police Force. The charges are consistent with existing laws and do not amount to abuse of legal process,” the prosecution affirmed.
The case remains adjourned until 23 February 2026.
