The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her trial for allegedly defaming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The new date for the hearing is set for December 1.
The adjournment was announced by Justice Chizoba Oji after the prosecution, led by David Kaswe, noted that they had been unable to serve their response to the defense. Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 19 on charges of harmful imputation related to claims that Akpabio and Bello conspired against her.
The defense argues that the prosecution has abused its powers and raises issues regarding the validity of the charges rather than their substance. Akpoti-Uduaghan has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
During the latest hearing, it was revealed that the prosecution’s counter-affidavit was not properly served to the defense, prompting a request for a short adjournment to ensure proper procedures are followed. Justice Oji granted this request and set the next hearing for December 1.
