Akpoti-Uduaghan Fights Back! Seeks Court Dismissal Of FG’s Six-Count Charge

The lawmaker described the charges as “an abuse of prosecutorial power, a breach of due process, and a calculated attempt to protect Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello from public scrutiny.”

In her motion, filed through her legal counsel, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the court to strike out the case, arguing that it was politically motivated and not in the public interest.

Her legal team contended that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) acted outside the constitutional limits of his authority, contrary to Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires that prosecutorial powers be exercised in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.

Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that the prosecution “serves no public purpose” and instead constitutes “a gross abuse of legal authority.”

In an affidavit supporting her motion, the senator alleged that the charges, filed on May 22, 2025, were initiated in bad faith, adding that the supposed defamatory remarks cited in the case were directed at Akpabio and Bello “in their personal capacities.”

She attached several newspaper publications to her filings, which she said serve as public records revealing the true character of the Senate President.

Akpoti-Uduaghan further argued that the case stems from personal and political vendettas, stressing that it offers no tangible benefit to Nigerians.

“This prosecution represents a clear misuse of public funds and legal authority to settle personal scores and shield certain individuals from legitimate criticism,” she stated.