ABUJA: The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has defended the defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that her alleged statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello contravened the Penal Code of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The clarification came in response to the senator’s preliminary objection to a three-count charge of harmful imputation and defamation pending before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was arraigned on June 19, 2025, over allegations that she falsely accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office argued that the case was properly instituted in accordance with constitutional powers and the interest of justice.
The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, the document stated.
According to the prosecution, the allegations followed a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reviewed all petitions and statements submitted by both parties. It added that the AGF acted only after determining that the matter involved issues of public interest and was necessary to prevent abuse of legal processes.
The senator’s counsel, Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN), however, urged the court to dismiss the charges, arguing that the AGF’s office exceeded its powers and that the process was politically motivated. He described the motion as a threshold jurisdictional matter that questioned the validity of the charges rather than their substance.
During Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel David Kaswe informed Justice Chizoba Oji that the AGF’s response had yet to be properly served on the defence, prompting a request for adjournment.
Kaswe explained that the counter-affidavit had been sent to an incorrect address, noting that it would be unfair for the matter to proceed when the defence team had not been officially served.
West-Idahosa confirmed the development and requested a longer adjournment, citing the defense team’s planned participation in the International Bar Association Conference in Canada.
After hearing both parties, Justice Oji adjourned the hearing of the preliminary objection to December 1, 2025.
In the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/297/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of making statements that allegedly damaged the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello. She was also accused of making another imputation against Akpabio, linking him to the death of the late Miss Iniobong Umoren.
The AGF’s office maintained that the prosecution was lawful, emphasizing that it does not constitute an abuse of prosecutorial powers” and was filed in line with the “interest of justice and due process.
