A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has granted the prosecution’s request to adjourn the case of alleged criminal defamation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation had filed the charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is accused of making defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

At the court hearing, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West Idahosa, argued that the prosecution’s request for an adjournment was not properly served on the defense, as it was not received 48 hours prior to the court sitting. Idahosa requested that the court proceed with the hearing of the defendant’s preliminary objection, which challenges the decision to file two similar charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan simultaneously.

However, Justice Chizoba Oji granted the adjournment, citing the interest of justice, despite acknowledging that the prosecution’s application did not meet the required threshold. The case has been adjourned until February 23, 2024.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing charges related to her claim that Akpabio and Bello planned to harm her. In her preliminary objection, she argues that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has abused the court process by filing two similar charges against her. The prosecution, however, maintains that the charges were filed after a thorough investigation and that there is a prima facie case against the defendant.

The prosecution also argues that the charges are consistent with the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and do not constitute an abuse of the Attorney General’s prosecutorial powers. The case highlights the ongoing legal battle between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, with the defendant’s lawyers challenging the legitimacy of the charges against her.

The adjournment of the case means that the hearing of the preliminary objection will have to wait until the next court sitting, allowing both parties to prepare their arguments. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the powers of the Attorney General’s office in Nigeria.