AGF Fagbemi Refutes Abuse of Court Process in Defamation Case Against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has refuted claims that his office abused court processes in the criminal defamation case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Federal Government had, on June 19, 2025, arraigned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on a three-count charge bordering on defamation.
In response, the senator accused the prosecution of abusing judicial process, arguing that a similar case was already pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja. She maintained that being tried in two courts over the same allegations was unfair and contrary to due process.
However, David Kaswe, who represented the AGF, rejected the allegation, insisting that the charges were filed only after a thorough police investigation confirmed a prima facie case against the lawmaker.
“The charge before the FCT High Court was filed pursuant to the Penal Code and in the bona fide exercise of the AGF’s prosecutorial powers, guided by public interest and the need to prevent abuse of legal process,” Kaswe stated in the prosecution’s counter affidavit.
He further emphasized that the case was instituted in line with the Constitution and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, noting that all due procedures were followed.
During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution requested a short adjournment, admitting that its counter affidavit had not yet been served on the defence team.
Defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), confirmed the non-service and asked for a longer adjournment, citing his team’s participation in the International Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in Canada.
In her ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji granted the request and adjourned the case until December 1, 2025, for hearing of both the preliminary objection and the prosecution’s counter affidavit.
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