- Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 19
- Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned proceedings to December 1
- the defamation charges as politically motivated and unconstitutional
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation defended defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of Nigeria’s penal code.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the AGF’s statement responded to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s objection to three defamation counts filed against her before an Abuja High Court.
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The case stemmed from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged false and damaging accusations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 19 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, where she pleaded not guilty.
She later filed a preliminary objection, urging the court to dismiss the case, alleging the prosecution exceeded its legal authority.
Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned proceedings to December 1 after prosecutors admitted they had not properly served their response to the defence.
The AGF’s office, in a counter-affidavit, asked the court to dismiss her objection, insisting the charges were legally justified.
Prosecutors maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged statements constituted criminal offences under the Penal Code and warranted prosecution in the public interest.
They added that the charges followed thorough police investigations into petitions from both complainants and the senator herself.
The AGF’s office stated that the case aimed to uphold justice, protect public order, and prevent abuse of judicial process.
Defence counsel, Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN), argued that the AGF abused prosecutorial powers, describing the defamation charges as politically motivated and unconstitutional.
After listening to both parties, Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned the matter until December 1 for the hearing of the senator’s preliminary objection.
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