A judge in Abuja has put off a key legal argument in the defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until 1 December, giving lawyers more time to sort out paperwork and prepare properly.
The hearing involves a challenge raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan against charges that she spread damaging claims about Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. She faces three counts of making hurtful statements that could harm their reputations, brought by the Attorney General’s office.
Akpoti-Uduaghan first appeared in court back in June and denied all the accusations. Her team argues that the prosecution has misused its authority to bring the case, calling it a basic flaw that questions the court’s right to hear it at all.
During Monday’s session at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, the prosecution admitted it had filed a reply to the challenge but failed to deliver it to the defence lawyers correctly. They asked for a brief pause to fix this and avoid any unfairness.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead lawyer confirmed they had not received the document and planned to add new proof once it arrived. He also requested a longer break so his team could attend an international lawyers’ conference in Canada.
After hearing both sides, Justice Chizoba Oji agreed to the delay, ensuring everyone gets a fair shot at presenting their points. The case stems from remarks Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made, including claims that Akpabio worked with Bello to harm her and that Akpabio had a hand in the death of a young woman named Iniobong Umoren.
This postponement gives the defence a chance to build a stronger response, while the prosecution must follow through on sharing its full arguments. The trial highlights ongoing tensions in Nigerian politics, where public statements often lead to courtroom battles over reputation and power.
