By Prosper Mene
An Abuja High Court has adjourned the high-profile defamation trial of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until October 27, 2025. The decision came after the court heard arguments on a preliminary objection raised by the senator’s legal team, aiming to address procedural fairness in the case.
Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court presided over the session, where Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel filed a motion challenging aspects of the prosecution’s approach. The judge ruled that the trial must be postponed to allow the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to file a response to the objection, emphasizing the need for a balanced hearing before proceeding further.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Kogi Central, faces a three-count charge under Section 391 of the Penal Code for allegedly making harmful imputations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The charges originates from statements she made during a television interview and public address in May 2025, where she accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting her assassination. Specifically, count one alleges that she claimed Akpabio instructed Bello to ensure any harm against her occurred outside Abuja to avoid scrutiny, thereby damaging Akpabio’s reputation as Senate President.
The senator, who was granted bail of N50 million with one surety upon her arraignment on June 19, 2025, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ehiogie West-Idahosa, has argued that the case represents political persecution and an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the AGF. They contend that the federal government has shown “double standards” by swiftly pursuing charges based on Akpabio’s petition while ignoring Akpoti-Uduaghan’s own prior complaints against the Senate President and others.
Supporters, including opposition figures, have decried the proceedings as an attempt to silence her vocal criticism of political elites, while proponents of the prosecution argue it upholds laws against reputational harm in public discourse.
The October 27 hearing will focus on resolving the preliminary objection alongside the AGF’s response, potentially determining whether the trial advances or faces dismissal.
