ABUJA– The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting at Maitama, to dismiss an objection the embattled Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed to challenge the defamation charge pending against her.

In a counter-affidavit before the court, the AGF denied abusing the court process and also dismissed the defendant’s claim that her petitions were ignored.

In the charge marked CR/297/25, the Federal Government claims the defendant, previously handed a six-month Senate suspension, made false and defamatory remarks while appearing on a live television show.

It specifically alleges that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made false imputations that damaged the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

According to particulars in count one, the Federal Government alleged that on April 3, during a live Politics Today broadcast on Channels Television, the defendant accused certain politicians, among them Akpabio and Bello of plotting to kill her.

Justifying the prosecution, the AGF argued in a new court filing that the three count charge was preferred pursuant to the Penal Code and in the bona fide exercise of his constitutional powers as Attorney-General, in the best interest of justice.
“The criminal charge against the defendant is borne out of the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties related to the case by the Nigerian Police Force.

“All the petitions filed by the defendant were duly investigated and charges filed at the FCT High Court against her colleague senator.

“The Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation filed the criminal charge against the defendant after due regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.

“The charge against the defendant is consistent with the extant laws and does not constitute an abuse of the legal and prosecutorial powers of the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation,” he added.

At the resumed sitting on Monday, FG’s lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe, told the court that he was unable to serve the AGF’s counter-affidavit on the defendant. He, therefore, prayed for an adjournment to enable him to serve the process.

After she had listened to both sides, Justice Orji adjourned to hear the objection.

Vangaurd