Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Maitama has granted the request by the Federal Government, to shift the hearing in the alleged criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, to February 23, 2026.
At Monday’s proceedings, Counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Ehiogie West Idahosa (SAN), announced his appearance and informed the court that the prosecution was not represented.
Justice Oji stated that the court had received a letter from the prosecution seeking an adjournment, and the letter was handed over to Idahosa, who said he was not served.
Idahosa noted that the letter was registered and filed earlier on Monday. He argued that the prosecution’s request did not comply with the requirement that such notices be brought to the defence’s attention at least 48 hours before the sitting.
He urged the court to proceed with the day’s business since the defendant was present and the adjournment application was, in his view, incompetent. The scheduled proceeding for the day, was the hearing of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s preliminary objection.