The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, has adjourned the criminal defamation trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to February 23, 2026, following a request by the Federal Government.
At the hearing on Monday, December 1, 2025, defence counsel Ehiogie West‑Idahosa (SAN) appeared but noted the absence of any representative from the prosecution.
The presiding judge, Chizoba Oji, said the court had received a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking an adjournment.
West‑Idahosa argued that the defence had not been formally served and that the 48‑hour statutory notice requirement was not met.
Justice Oji acknowledged the procedural issue but granted the adjournment “in the interest of justice.”
She also declined to hear the defence’s preliminary objection, which challenges the AGF’s decision to file similar charges against the senator in both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a three-count criminal defamation charge over her claim, made during a live television interview, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to assassinate her.
The Federal Government maintains that the charges were filed following a thorough investigation under the Penal Code.
The trial will resume on February 23, 2026.