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Attorney General defends charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan

Published

12 months ago

October 28, 2025

Attorney General of the Federation defends defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying her actions breached Nigeria’s penal code

Attorney General of the Federation has defended the defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that her alleged actions against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello contravened Nigeria’s penal code.

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The Office of the Attorney General made the position clear in its counter-affidavit to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s preliminary objection to the three-count charge, which borders on harmful imputation and defamation.

According to the AGF’s office, the charges were properly filed after a “comprehensive and conclusive” police investigation into petitions from all parties involved.

The prosecution argued that the senator’s conduct fell squarely within the provisions of the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that the decision to prosecute was made “in the best interest of justice.”

“The criminal charge arose from the investigation of all petitions and parties involved by the Nigeria Police Force,” the affidavit stated. “The Attorney General of the Federation acted within constitutional powers and in good faith to prevent abuse of legal process.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was arraigned on 19 June before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has pleaded not guilty.

She subsequently filed a preliminary objection challenging the validity of the charges, arguing that the AGF’s office had abused its prosecutorial powers.

Her counsel, Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN), told the court that the objection was a jurisdictional matter rather than a contest of the facts.

However, the hearing of the objection was adjourned until 1 December, after the prosecution’s counsel, David Kaswe, admitted that his team had yet to properly serve its response on the defence.

Kaswe explained that the earlier attempt at service had been sent to the wrong address and requested a short adjournment.

“It would not be fair for the prosecution to insist the matter proceed when the defence team has not received our counter,” he said.

Defence counsel confirmed the lack of service and sought a longer adjournment to allow attendance at the International Bar Association Conference in Canada.

Justice Chizoba Oji consequently adjourned proceedings to 1 December for the hearing of the preliminary objection.

The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/297/25, accuses the senator of making false and damaging allegations that Akpabio and Bello conspired to assassinate her, and of linking Akpabio to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren.

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The Attorney General of the Federation maintains that the charges align with existing laws and do not amount to an abuse of power — a firm defence that underscores the government’s resolve to pursue the matter within the bounds of justice.

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Health

Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

Published

12 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kenya Ebola contacts: 20 people have been released after 21 days in quarantine without symptoms as health authorities continue outbreak monitoring

Kenya has released 20 people linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease after they completed 21 days of quarantine without developing symptoms, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

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The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa announced the development on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the individuals had undergone final health assessments and received counselling on precautions and follow-up care where necessary before reuniting with their families.

Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, urged communities to welcome the released individuals without stigma.

“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” Amoth said. “Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.”

The WHO said 98 contacts remained in quarantine as of Monday, while eight contacts had developed symptoms and tested positive for Ebola through laboratory tests.

According to the organisation, all eight individuals were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms and were subsequently transferred to the country’s Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths since reporting its first imported case on October 6, 2026.

The WHO said all nine cases were linked to the same cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its update.

The organisation said health authorities had traced all 135 contacts, both within Kenya and internationally, by October 22, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, screening at points of entry, and public health communication.

The WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said people who completed quarantine had helped protect their families and communities.

“People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country,” she said.

Kimambo also commended Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding to new cases.

The WHO said there was no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early detection and supportive medical care could improve the chances of recovery.

It advised against travel restrictions, recommending evidence-based measures such as health screening at entry and exit points, surveillance and contact tracing instead.

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Although the release of the first 20 contacts marks progress in Kenya’s response, health authorities continue to monitor those still in quarantine and maintain surveillance to identify any further cases promptly.