AGF insists defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are legitimate

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has defended the defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating her accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello violated the penal code.
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The charges arose after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged an assassination attempt linked to Akpabio and Bello. She was arraigned on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, where she pleaded not guilty. Following her arraignment, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a preliminary objection to dismiss the charges, arguing abuse of prosecutorial power.
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However, in a counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office requested the court to reject this objection, emphasizing that the charges are grounded in a thorough police investigation involving all parties. Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe explained the charges were brought in good fate based on the Penal Code Law, stressing that all petitions were investigated comprehensively by the Nigeria Police Force.
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The defamation counts center on claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan made harmful imputations about Akpabio and Bello, including allegations of conspiracy to kill her and linking Akpabio to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren.
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At the September 23 hearing, defence counsel Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the charges on jurisdictional grounds, but the prosecution indicated it had yet to serve its response properly.
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The court adjourned to December 1, 2025, to allow the parties time to address outstanding procedural issues.
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