The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has dismissed claims by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the criminal charges filed against her amount to an abuse of court process.
In a counter affidavit filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, the AGF’s office stated that the charges were lawfully filed after a thorough and conclusive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is facing two separate cases — one before the FCT High Court for alleged criminal defamation and another before the Federal High Court for alleged cybercrime. The charges relate to her claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to kill her.
The AGF’s office argued that the charges were filed in line with the constitutional powers of the Attorney General and in the public interest. It further denied the senator’s allegation that her petitions were ignored, insisting that all related complaints were properly investigated.
“The charges were filed in good faith and after comprehensive investigation. They do not constitute an abuse of prosecutorial powers,” the affidavit read in part.
During Monday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution had filed a counter affidavit to Senator Natasha’s preliminary objection but was yet to serve the defence. He requested a short adjournment to allow proper service.
Defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), confirmed that his client had not been served and sought a long adjournment, noting that members of the defence team would attend the International Bar Association’s annual conference in Canada.
Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned the case to December 1, 2025, for hearing of the preliminary objection and the counter affidavit.
