A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, located in Maitama, has granted the prosecution’s request to adjourn the criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan. The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation filed the charges, alleging that Akpoti‑Uduaghan made defamatory statements about Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
During the hearing, Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West Idahosa, contended that the prosecution’s adjournment request had not been properly served on the defence, noting that it was not received at least 48 hours before the court sitting. Idahosa asked the court to proceed with the hearing of the defendant’s preliminary objection, which challenges the decision to file two similar charges against her simultaneously.
Justice Chizoba Oji, however, granted the adjournment in the interest of justice, despite acknowledging that the prosecution’s application did not meet the required threshold. The case is now postponed until 23 February 2024. In her preliminary objection, Akpoti‑Uduaghan argues that the Attorney General’s office has abused the court process by bringing duplicate charges, while the prosecution maintains that the charges follow a thorough investigation, constitute a prima facie case, and are consistent with the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not an abuse of prosecutorial powers.
The adjournment means the hearing of the preliminary objection will be delayed until the next court session, giving both parties additional time to prepare their arguments. The outcome of the case is expected to attract close attention, as it raises significant questions about the limits of free speech and the scope of the Attorney General’s powers in Nigeria.
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