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.

Also read: First Bank CR&S Week 2025 Inspires Global Kindness

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.

Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Set to Resume Senate Duties

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.