- FG asked the court for adjournment in the defamation case.
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the prosecution’s request.
- Justice Oji shifted the hearing to February 23, 2026.
- Prosecutors insist the defamation charge followed proper investigation.
The Federal Government on Monday requested a fresh date for further hearing in the defamation case filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Chizoba Oji granted the request and moved the matter to February 23, 2026.
When the case was called, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Ehiogie Idahosa (SAN), announced his appearance, but no lawyer stood for the Attorney-General of the Federation. Justice Oji informed the court that the prosecution had sent in a letter asking for an adjournment.
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However, Mr. Idahosa objected and argued that he was never served with the letter. The judge immediately ordered that a copy be handed to him. After a quick review, Mr. Idahosa noted that the letter was only filed that morning and did not meet the 48-hour notice requirement for adjournments.
He asked the court to continue with the proceedings, insisting that the request for adjournment was not properly filed. According to him, “the defence is ready and the defendant is in court, so there is no justification for a delay.”
While the judge admitted the prosecution failed to meet the threshold, she explained that she would still allow the adjournment in the interest of justice. She rejected the defence request to continue with the day’s business and shifted the hearing to February 23, 2026.
The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, arrived in court with her husband. She is facing charges over her statement that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello were allegedly planning to kill her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has also filed a preliminary objection challenging why the Office of the Attorney-General filed two separate charges against her simultaneously.
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But in a counter-affidavit, the prosecution dismissed her claim and insisted the defamation charge was properly filed after a comprehensive police investigation.
According to the prosecution: “The charge was brought after a thorough investigation and in the bona fide exercise of the Attorney-General’s constitutional powers and in the best interest of justice.”
They added that the defendant’s actions violated relevant sections of the Penal Code and that the Federal Government acted to prevent abuse of legal process.
