Court To Hear Senator Natasha’s Objection In Defamation Case December 1

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has fixed December 1 for the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge the defamation charge brought against her by the Federal Government.

The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central, is facing a three-count charge in case number CR/297/25, in which the government accused her of making false and damaging statements during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3. She was alleged to have claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were plotting to assassinate her.

According to the government, the alleged act contravened Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation 1990, and is punishable under Section 392. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has pleaded not guilty, has asked the court to halt proceedings, arguing that the case was filed in abuse of prosecutorial powers.

Her lead counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), told the court that the objection challenges the legality of the prosecution itself, not the substance of the charges. He said the Attorney-General’s office acted outside its powers, thereby stripping the court of jurisdiction to proceed with the matter.

West-Idahosa also complained that the prosecution’s evidence did not include full statements from witnesses, only summaries, which he argued denied the defence access to complete information needed for proper preparation.

Prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that although the government had filed a counter-response, it was yet to serve the defence. He therefore requested an adjournment to allow proper service, a move not opposed by the defence.

However, the defence team asked for a longer adjournment, noting that some of its members would be attending the International Bar Association conference in Canada.

After hearing both parties, Justice Orji adjourned the case until December 1 for the hearing of the objection, which will determine whether the court can proceed with the trial.