The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has adjourned the Federal Government’s criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after government lawyers failed to appear for Monday’s hearing.
Justice Chizoba Oji told the court she received a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) seeking an adjournment to December 16, 2025. But defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), protested, noting that the prosecution served the application only that morning—far short of the mandatory 48-hour notice required under Order 6, Rule 6(3) of the FHC practice directions. He described the action as a “procedural ambush” and urged the court to proceed with the scheduled hearing on the defence’s preliminary objection.
Although Justice Oji agreed that the government’s late application violated procedural rules, she accepted the request “in the interest of justice,” citing the peculiar circumstances of the case. Rejecting the AGF’s proposed date, she asked the defence to recommend an alternative. After consultations, the matter was adjourned to February 23, 2026.
The Federal Government’s three-count charge accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of criminal defamation over her claims that powerful political actors plotted to kill her—a claim she insists is grounded in fact. She has pleaded not guilty and filed a preliminary objection arguing that the charges are an abuse of process, pointing to duplicative cases filed in multiple courts.
Legal observers say the February 23 hearing will be decisive: the court could either strike out the charges entirely or allow a full criminal trial to proceed.
FG Lawyers’ No-Show Stalls Natasha’s Case Until 2026
