By Anamati Inyang- November 10, 2025
The Federal Government has maintained that the criminal defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were duly instituted in line with Nigeria’s Penal Code and the Constitution.
In its response to the senator’s preliminary objection before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice insisted that the case was properly filed and backed by due process.
The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, is facing a three-count criminal charge arising from multiple petitions including those submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
A supplementary petition was later filed by Professor Sandra Duru, following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations that Senator Akpabio and his wife were involved in an organ harvesting conspiracy.
According to the AGF’s office, Professor Duru’s submission provided further intelligence and corroborative evidence on the alleged human organ trafficking network claims which the government said transcend politics and touch on serious issues of conspiracy, attempted assassination, and abuse of public office.
AGF Defends Legality of Charges
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office explained that the charges were filed after a thorough investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.
“The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation,” the document stated.
The prosecution argued that the action was taken “in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process,” dismissing claims that the charges were politically motivated.
According to the AGF, the decision followed a comprehensive investigation that reviewed all petitions and statements from parties involved.
Defence Challenges AGF’s Authority
During the last hearing on September 23, defence counsel Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN) argued that the AGF’s office had exceeded its constitutional powers, describing the prosecution as an abuse of process.
He clarified that the objection did not dispute the facts of the case but questioned the legality and jurisdiction of the AGF to file such charges.
The preliminary objection, filed on September 18, was yet to be addressed by the prosecution at that time.
Prosecution Requests Adjournment
At the last sitting, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that the counter-affidavit had not been properly served on the defence team due to an address mix-up.
“It would not be fair to proceed when the defence has indicated its intention to respond to our counter,” Kaswe told the court.
West-Idahosa confirmed that his team had not received the document and requested a longer adjournment, citing their planned participation at the International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Canada.
After listening to both parties, Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned the matter to December 1, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection.
Case Background
The case, numbered FCT/HC/CR/297/25, accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory statements against Akpabio and Bello including claims that they plotted to assassinate her and were connected to the death and organ harvesting of Miss Iniobong Umoren.
The senator was arraigned on June 19, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
The court is expected to first determine her preliminary objection before the main trial begins.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not withdrawn, nor ordered the withdrawal, of any ongoing criminal case or investigation involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
