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Court Adjourns Akpabio’s Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha to October 27

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11 months ago

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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.

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THE ULTIMATE CLIMDOWN: Inside UEFA’s Shocking Decision To Back Down From FIFA!.

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3 hours ago

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August 26, 2026

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  • End of Boycott Threat: European football nations are poised to withdraw their threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving key assurances from the global governing body, averting a standoff between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino [cite: European football nations are set to back down from their threat to boycott FIFA competitions after reportedly receiving assurances from the world football governing body., The development is expected to end an immediate standoff between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, following a controversial proposal that had sparked strong opposition from European football officials.].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Origins of the Crisis: The tension began last month when UEFA threatened to pull European teams from FIFA events over Infantino’s controversial plan to sell private investor shares in a commercial venture tied to the World Cup. Although Infantino dropped the proposal, UEFA sought guarantees against future structural changes.

    • Upcoming Tournaments: Following assurances reported by Sky News to be discussed in Monaco, England and other European nations are set to participate in the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland as scheduled, resolving the immediate crisis [cite: According to Sky News, those assurances have now been provided and are expected to be discussed during meetings in Monaco on Thursday., The development means England and other European countries are expected to take part in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next week as scheduled., Their participation will bring an end, at least for now, to the threat of a European boycott of FIFA competitions.].

    • Leadership and Elections: While UEFA and various global vice presidents have challenged Infantino’s leadership, the Under-20 tournament offers him a public platform ahead of the Women’s World Cup in June 2027 [cite: UEFA has remained at the forefront of efforts to challenge Infantino’s leadership, with reports suggesting that some FIFA vice presidents from Asia, Europe and North America have also backed the push., The Under-20 Women’s World Cup is also expected to give Infantino a chance to make a public appearance as FIFA president despite the ongoing divisions within the organization., reports that the next senior FIFA tournament will be the Women’s World Cup in June 2027.]. Meanwhile, Infantino has yet to declare his stance for the presidential election slated for March, with prospective candidates facing a November deadline to secure backing from at least five football associations [cite: However, the tournament will come after the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March next year., Infantino has not yet publicly declared his position regarding the election, while potential candidates have until November to secure the backing of at least five football associations required to enter the race.].

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2027 RACE EXPLODES: Malami Breaks Silence, Names Campaign DG And Shakes Up The Political Landscape!.

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3 hours ago

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August 26, 2026

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  • ADC Campaign Council Inauguration: Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami—who is running for Governor of Kebbi State alongside running mate Musa Zagi on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform—inaugurated a massive campaign council comprising over 600 members from across the state’s senatorial districts and local governments [cite: Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, has inaugurated the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign council in Kebbi State., The inauguration was held on Wednesday as more than 600 party members were unveiled as part of the campaign council, with representatives drawn from different local government areas, senatorial districts, communities and political backgrounds across Kebbi State., Abubakar Malami is contesting for Governor of Kebbi State on the ADC platform and Musa Zagi is his running mate.].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Leadership Appointment: Rt. Hon. Sani Tadurga, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, was appointed as the Director-General to coordinate the party’s statewide campaign activities and mobilize support [cite: reports that the former Minister of Justice named Rt. Hon. Sani Tadurga as the Director-General of the campaign team., Tadurga, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, will coordinate the campaign activities of the ADC in the state and work with other members of the council to mobilise support for the party’s candidates.].

    • Unified Strategy: Malami emphasized that the council unites all elective positions—from governorship down to the state assembly—under one collective political family and urged members to work cohesively [cite: Speaking at the event, Malami said the new campaign structure was designed to bring the party’s candidates and supporters under one coordinated platform., “This Campaign Council represents our collective ADC campaign. It is not about one candidate or one elective position. From the governorship to the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, we must work as one political family,” Malami said.].

    • Call for Inclusivity: He cautioned against internal rivalries, tribalism, and sectional interests, stressing that every community, ward, and district across Kebbi State must feel included in the political movement [cite: He urged members of the council to avoid tribalism, sectional interests and internal rivalry, warning that such divisions could weaken the party’s campaign., Malami said every part of Kebbi State should be included in the political movement, adding that no tribe, senatorial district, local government, ward or community should feel left out.].

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MARRIAGE MADNESS: Nollywood Star Ronke Oshodi Drops Shocking Confession That She Almost Went Insane After Walking Down The Aisle!.

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3 hours ago

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August 26, 2026

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  • Struggles in Early Marriage: Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke shared during an interview on African A-List that she faced severe challenges shortly after getting married, which heavily impacted her physical and emotional well-being [cite: Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has spoken on the difficult period she experienced during her marriage., The actress shared the experience during an interview on African A-List, where she reflected on her former marriage and the effect the challenges she faced had on her physical and emotional well-being.].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Health Impacts: While noting that her former husband never physically abused her, she revealed that the overwhelming pressure caused her to develop high blood pressure for the first time in her life, pushing her to a point where she felt she “nearly ran mad” [cite: She made it clear that her former husband did not physically abuse or beat her, but said the difficulties in the relationship still became overwhelming., She said she had never dealt with high blood pressure before getting married, but began experiencing it after becoming a newlywed., “When I was newlywed, it was the first time I had high blood pressure; it was when I got married that I nearly ran mad.”].

    • Decision to Leave: Realizing the situation was unsustainable, she chose to pack her things and leave for the sake of her health and well-being [cite: “I got to a point where I realized that leaving the marriage was the best decision for my well-being, so I packed my belongings and left because I knew I could no longer continue living in that situation.”].

    • Current Standing: The separation did not turn them into enemies; they remain on good terms for the sake of their children, and the experience has not completely closed her heart to the concept of marriage.

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