Senator Natasha’s Defamation Trial Delayed to 2026 Amid Procedural Fight

The criminal defamation trial involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, brought by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), has been adjourned to February 23 next year by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Justice Chizoba Oji granted the prosecution’s request for a significant delay on Monday, overruling objections raised by the defence regarding the application’s competence.

The case focusses on three counts of alleged criminal defamation against the Senator following her claims that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, were involved in a plot to kill her. The judicial proceedings are now set to resume well into 2026.

The adjournment was granted despite a spirited challenge from the defence counsel, Ehiogie West Idahosa, SAN. Mr. Idahosa, who confirmed the defendant, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, was present in court, noted the absence of the prosecution team.

The court revealed that it had received a letter from the prosecution requesting the adjournment. However, Mr. Idahosa informed the judge that his team had not been served with the letter, observing that it was registered and filed only on Monday morning.

The defence lawyer argued forcefully that the adjournment application was fundamentally incompetent. “The prosecution’s request for this delay failed to comply with the mandated 48-hour prior notice to the defence, rendering it procedurally flawed,” Mr. Idahosa asserted. “We came prepared to argue the preliminary objection, which is the business of the day, and we believe the court should have proceeded.”

Justice Oji, in her ruling, acknowledged the procedural lapse cited by the defence. She agreed that the application for adjournment did not meet the required legal threshold for notification.

However, the judge ultimately ruled in favour of the prosecution's request. She stated that while the procedural rules were not met, granting the extension was necessary to ensure all parties have a fair opportunity to present their case.

“While the court concurs that the established notice period was not adhered to, the overriding principle in this matter must be the fundamental interest of justice,” Justice Oji declared, subsequently setting the new date for further hearing in early 2026.