A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday postponed proceedings in the criminal defamation case involving the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following a request for adjournment by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice Chizoba Oji fixed a new date for hearing the senator’s preliminary objection after confirming that the court had received a formal letter from the prosecution seeking an adjournment. The letter, however, had not been served on the defence before the hearing commenced.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a three-count charge of criminal defamation arising from her allegation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to take her life.
In response, she filed a preliminary objection challenging the AGF’s decision to initiate similar charges before both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court, describing the move as an abuse of court process.
But in a counter-affidavit, the prosecution insisted it acted within constitutional powers,
asserting that the charges were backed by “thorough and comprehensive investigations” that established a prima facie case. It added that all petitions by the senator were duly investigated and that the decision to prosecute aligned with public interest and the prevention of legal abuse.During Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the senator, Ehiogie West Idahosa, drew attention to the absence of the prosecution team. Justice Oji then handed him a copy of the adjournment request, noting that the defence had not been served earlier.
Idahosa objected to the request, arguing that it was incompetent because the prosecution had failed to give the mandatory 48-hour notice required by law. He urged the court to continue with the hearing since the senator was present and ready.
Although Justice Oji agreed that the notice requirement was not met, she held that granting an adjournment was necessary in the interests of justice. Consequently, she declined the defence’s plea and adjourned the matter to 23 February 2025.
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