Defamation Trial: Court Refuses Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Arrest, Fixes Hearing Date

Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the Federal Government’s request to arrest Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for failing to appear at the start of her defamation trial.

The judge’s decision came after the government’s counsel, Mr. David Kaswe, admitted to serving the charge on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer that very morning, in the courtroom.

Justice Umar stated it was “inconceivable” that the Kogi Central Senator would be present, given she hadn’t been previously served with either the charge or a hearing notice.

Based on this, he rejected the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.

The judge also disagreed with the prosecution’s argument that service on her legal counsel meant Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was aware of her pending arraignment.

Following the court’s ruling, the prosecution then applied for substituted service of the charge on the senator through her counsel, Mr. Johnson Usman (SAN).

The application was granted by the court, which then fixed June 30 for her arraignment.

Persecondnews recalls that the Nigerian Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, had instituted the lawsuit bordering on defamation against the senator.

The case is similar to one currently pending at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where Akpoti-Uduaghan is being sued for allegedly going on a live television programme to accuse the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting her assassination.