Govt Lawyers’ Absence Stalls Akpoti Uduaghan Trial

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama on Tuesday postponed the criminal defamation case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after government lawyers failed to appear for the hearing.

The session had been set for arguments on her pending objection to the charges.

The adjournment came after Justice Chizoba Oji announced that a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation arrived requesting a new date. The notice reached the court shortly before the sitting began, disrupting plans for the day’s proceedings.

The defence team reacted immediately, pointing out that the request was delivered to them the same morning. They argued that the rules require at least 48 hours of notice before such an application. They maintained that the late filing left them unprepared for any change and urged the court to continue with the objection already scheduled.

Justice Oji noted the flaw in the timing of the request but decided to accept it due to the nature of the matter. She rejected the date proposed by the government and asked the defence to suggest a more suitable option. After a brief exchange, the court fixed February 23, 2026, for the next sitting.

The case stems from a three-count charge filed by the Federal Government accusing the senator of criminal defamation. The charges relate to her claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello planned to harm her. She has denied all allegations and is seeking to have the case struck out.

The upcoming hearing on February 23 will determine whether her preliminary objection succeeds or if the trial will continue.