The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has dismissed claims by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the criminal charges filed against her before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Federal High Court, Abuja, constituted an abuse of court process.
In a counter-affidavit filed in response to the senator’s preliminary objection, the AGF’s office maintained that the charges were properly instituted after comprehensive and conclusive investigations which established a prima facie case against her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is facing two separate charges one for alleged criminal defamation before the FCT High Court and another for alleged cybercrime before the Federal High Court. The latter stem from her claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to kill her.
According to the AGF’s office, the charges were filed “in good faith and in line with the prosecutorial powers” of the Attorney General as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The criminal charge was preferred after thorough investigation and in the bona fide exercise of the powers of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation in the best interest of justice,” the affidavit stated.
“The defendant’s actions contravened the Penal Code Law, and all her petitions were duly investigated before charges were filed.”
The prosecution, represented by David Kaswe, informed the FCT High Court on Monday that it had filed its counter-affidavit but had yet to serve it on the defendant. He requested a short adjournment to ensure proper service.
Defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) confirmed non-service of the documents and sought a longer adjournment, citing the legal team’s scheduled participation in the International Bar Association’s annual meeting in Canada.
Justice Chizoba Oji subsequently adjourned the case to December 1, 2025, for hearing of the preliminary objection and the prosecution’s response.
