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Court Adjourns Akpabio’s Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha to October 27
Federal Capital Territory High Court has adjourned the defamation suit filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until October 27.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The case, which has drawn national attention, centers on claims by Akpabio that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan defamed him in statements she allegedly made about his role in government affairs. The Senate president is asking the court to award damages and issue an order restraining her from further public comments he considers damaging to his reputation.
Justice Abubakar Musa announced the adjournment on Friday after lawyers for both sides requested more time to prepare their arguments. The court directed that all pending motions and preliminary objections would be taken on the next date.
Background of the case
Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and minister of Niger Delta Affairs, became Senate president in June 2023. His suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was filed earlier this year after political tensions rose between the two lawmakers.
In court filings, Akpabio accused his colleague of making false claims that he says were aimed at tarnishing his image and reducing public trust in his leadership. His legal team argued that the comments were not only damaging but also malicious.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term senator and prominent voice in Kogi politics, has denied wrongdoing. Her counsel has argued that her statements were part of her duty as a legislator and were made in the public interest. She is expected to challenge the admissibility of some of the evidence Akpabio’s lawyers intend to present.
Political implications
The case comes at a time when Nigeria’s political climate is tense, with lawmakers divided over several national issues, including fuel subsidy reforms and security operations in the north. Observers say the legal battle between two sitting senators could deepen divisions in the National Assembly.
“This is not just about reputation. It is about the balance of power within the Senate,” said Abuja-based political analyst Kabir Adamu. “If the Senate president wins the case, it could discourage other lawmakers from openly challenging him. But if he loses, it may embolden the opposition within the chamber.”
Courtroom atmosphere
At Friday’s session, both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan were absent, but their legal representatives appeared. Counsel for Akpabio urged the court to proceed with substantive hearings, while the defense requested more time to respond to documents recently filed by the plaintiff.
Justice Musa ruled that it was in the interest of fairness to allow both sides time to prepare adequately. “This matter is of great public concern, but the court must proceed with justice and balance,” he said before setting October 27 as the new date.
Public reactions
Reactions have been mixed among Nigerians, especially on social media. Supporters of Akpabio argue that public figures must be held accountable for their words and that defamation cases are necessary to protect reputations. Others insist that politicians should expect criticism and that such lawsuits could limit free speech.
“Democracy means lawmakers can question one another without fear of court harassment,” said Abuja resident Mercy Adeyemi. “This case looks like an attempt to silence opposition.”
However, Uyo-based businessman Iniobong Effiong disagreed. “If someone spreads lies about you, even if you are a politician, you have the right to go to court. Nobody is above the law,” he said.
What happens next
The court will resume hearing on October 27, when it is expected to rule on preliminary motions and possibly set a timeline for the full trial. Legal experts say the case could drag on for months if appeals are filed.
For now, both politicians face growing public attention, with their legal fight adding to the challenges of governance in Nigeria’s Senate.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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