Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, on Monday rejected claims of judicial overreach in the ongoing criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that the charges are grounded in a thorough police investigation and serve the public interest.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, faces three counts before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama over alleged defamatory statements targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. She was arraigned on June 19, 2025.

The senator has challenged the case, arguing it duplicates an existing Federal High Court action and amounts to an abuse of legal process aimed at silencing her. Her legal team, led by Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), filed a preliminary objection, citing procedural irregularities and political intimidation.

Representing the AGF, David Kaswe defended the prosecution, stating the case was initiated following a prima facie finding and is backed by the Penal Code. He denied any duplication of proceedings and emphasized the AGF’s constitutional authority to prosecute in the public interest, referencing provisions under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.

Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned the matter to December 1, 2025, to hear arguments on the preliminary objection and the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. The adjournment followed confirmation that the defense had not been properly served. West-Idahosa requested the delay, citing his team’s travel to the International Bar Association conference in Canada.

The trial, which stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outspoken criticism of Senate leadership, has drawn concern from rights groups. Amnesty International called for safeguards against politically motivated prosecutions, warning that such cases could undermine freedom of expression.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent opposition figure, maintains her innocence and has vowed to contest the charges vigorously. “I will not be silenced,” she said in a recent statement.