A criminal defamation suit involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been pushed far into next year, creating fresh legal suspense around one of the most politically charged cases currently before the courts.
The delay broadens an already complex confrontation between the senator and two of Nigeria’s most influential political figures.
Proceedings were moved to February 23, 2026, after Justice Chizoba Oji confirmed that the court received a formal request for adjournment from the Attorney General of the Federation.
The development effectively resets the courtroom battle, which has been closely watched by legal analysts and political observers.
The case stems from a three-count allegation against the lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central.
Prosecutors accuse her of making defamatory claims suggesting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello were allegedly involved in a plot to eliminate her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has repeatedly dismissed the charges, insisting through her legal team that she is a victim of political intimidation.
Her counsel said, “This prosecution is nothing more than an attempt to silence a public official who refuses to back down.”
Arguments over procedure have already become central to the dispute.
The defence earlier challenged the AGF’s decision to initiate two parallel cases, one in the FCT High Court and another at the Federal High Court, calling the move a deliberate misuse of judicial machinery.
According to them, the duplication “creates confusion and undermines the integrity of the process.”
However, the prosecution has maintained a firm stance, insisting the charges were filed correctly.
In a counter-affidavit, state lawyers argued that investigators conducted what they described as a comprehensive review of the petitions submitted by the senator.
A prosecution official explained, “Our position is grounded in evidence and public interest, and the filing does not qualify as an abuse of court procedure.”
Moreover, prosecutors said police investigators examined all complaints brought forward by Akpoti-Uduaghan before concluding that sufficient grounds existed to proceed.
They added that pursuing the case helps safeguard the justice system from being exploited for personal battles.
The adjournment now gives both sides months to prepare for what is expected to be an intense legal contest.