A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has granted the Federal Government’s request to adjourn the alleged criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

During Monday’s proceedings, the senator’s counsel, Ehiogie West Idahosa (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution was absent.

Justice Chizoba Oji then revealed that she had received a letter from the prosecution seeking an adjournment.

The letter was subsequently shown to Idahosa, who stated that he had not been served.

Idahosa argued that although the letter was filed earlier that morning, the prosecution failed to comply with the rule requiring such notices to be communicated to the defence at least 48 hours before the scheduled sitting.

He asked the court to proceed with the day’s business, which was the hearing of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s preliminary objection, since the defendant was present.

Justice Oji agreed that the adjournment request did not meet the procedural requirement but, “in the interest of justice,” granted the prosecution’s request.

She declined the defence’s plea to continue with the hearing and adjourned the case until February 23 next year.

The senator attended the proceedings alongside her husband.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a criminal defamation charge stemming from her allegation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to kill her.

Her preliminary objection challenges the AGF’s decision to file two similar charges, one at the FCT High Court and another at the Federal High Court, Abuja, arguing that the duplication amounts to an abuse of court process.

In a counter-affidavit, however, the prosecution maintained that the cases were not duplicative.

It asserted that the three-count charge before the FCT High Court was filed only after a thorough investigation established a prima facie case.

The prosecution further argued that the charge, brought under the Penal Code, was lawful, properly investigated, and filed in line with the AGF’s constitutional authority.

It added that the decision to file the charge was guided by public interest, the interest of justice, and the need to prevent abuse of legal processes.

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has accused his former party of abandoning him during his most difficult period, asserting that it was only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma who offered him support.

Metuh spoke at a thanksgiving service held to mark his 60th birthday, reflecting on his political journey and legal struggles.

He recalled that he served the PDP faithfully, even enduring a 10-month prison sentence on its behalf, yet the party did not stand by him during that ordeal.

“My trial was one of the worst experiences of my life,” Metuh said.

“The day I was convicted, I celebrated. During those difficult times, it was people like President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma who showed me love and support.”

He recounted that while he faced legal challenges, President Tinubu, then the opposition leader, reached out through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, to offer comfort and assistance.

“This was someone I often criticised politically, yet he extended a hand when I needed it most,” he added.

Metuh also reflected on his dedication to the PDP over the years.

He recalled turning down opportunities to benefit from the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), even when offered land in Ikoyi, Lagos, during the early years of Tinubu’s political influence.

“I was very dedicated to the PDP, and I could not betray my party at that time,” he said.

Despite the perceived betrayal, Metuh expressed his readiness to support the current administration.

“I am committed to helping the government at the centre and the President to deliver the dividends of democracy. I wish the PDP well, but I have moved on,” he stated.

Metuh praised credible political actors across parties, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and David Mark, for their contributions to democracy.

He also revealed that President Tinubu had invited him to join the APC several times, but he had declined, choosing instead to remain non-partisan until now.

“I now want to use my experience and voice to contribute positively to the polity. We need space for democracy to grow, a vibrant opposition, and people expressing their views freely,” Metuh said.

The thanksgiving event drew notable attendees, including Governor Uzodimma, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Ikedi Ohakim (Imo), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Senator Victor Umeh, and Tony Nwoye.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has inaugurated a new caretaker committee, a move seen as part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its political footing ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ceremony, held on Sunday in Enugu, brought together party members from all 17 local government areas, reigniting momentum after months of internal inactivity.

Vitus Okechi, former chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, was appointed Chairman of the caretaker committee, while Chukwunonye Okereke assumed the role of State Secretary.

In his remarks, Okechi called for unity and loyalty within the party, stressing the importance of rebuilding PDP’s grassroots structures.

“Enugu State is PDP, and PDP is Enugu State. We thank those who remained loyal despite challenges. Your commitment will be recognised,” he said.

He added that the party’s mobilisation strategy would be “efficient, smart, and relentless” in restoring political dominance.

State Secretary Okereke highlighted the need for integrity and inclusivity in leadership.

“We are committed to a revitalised PDP driven by honesty, member appreciation, and effective administration,” he said.

Immediate past Vice Chairman, Ozo Okey Ozoani, praised the National Working Committee for entrusting the new team with leadership, describing the appointment as an opportunity to correct past errors.

“The current political challenges stem from leadership disconnected from the PDP family. The 2027 elections offer a chance to restore our legacy,” he stated.

Other party stakeholders, including Nnamdi Onyia, called on members to remain steadfast, emphasising that loyalty and consistency are the foundation for political success.

Dignitaries at the event, such as Prof. (Mrs.) Iloh, Barr. Celine Ugwu, Barr. Chizoba Ezeagor, Chief Ken Obiora, Chief Chukwujekwu Nebo, and Chief Obiora Ugwu, expressed confidence in the committee and encouraged focus on rebuilding party structures.

Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee, has again dismissed claims that Nigeria is witnessing a Christian genocide.

Speaking at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna, Kukah argued that the statistics often circulated about alleged mass killings of Christians are unverified and do not meet the internationally accepted definition of genocide.

He said his stance aligns with that of the Vatican Secretary of State, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and all Catholic bishops across the country.

Kukah questioned the credibility of the figures being promoted in some reports.

“They claim 1,200 churches are burnt every year in Nigeria. In which Nigeria? No one has reached out to the Catholic Church to confirm such numbers,” he said.

“Those spreading these claims avoid consulting the Catholic Church because they know we do not deal in hearsay.”

He stressed that genocide is defined by intent, not by the number of deaths.

“Genocide is not about how many people are killed. You can kill 10 million people and it still won’t qualify as genocide if the intent is not to eliminate a specific group,” he said.

“So, numbers do not determine genocide, intention does.”

Kukah also pushed back against assertions that Christians are being systematically persecuted in Nigeria.

“If you say Christians in Nigeria are persecuted, how? At least 80% of educated Nigerians are Christians, and Christians control about 85% of the Nigerian economy. With such figures, is it accurate to claim persecution?” he asked.

According to the bishop, many of the concerns within Christian communities stem from internal divisions rather than an organised campaign against believers.

“The biggest problem is that Christians allow themselves to be intimidated. The day we stand together with the belief that an injury to one is an injury to all, things will change,” he said.

He also cautioned against loosely labeling victims of violence as martyrs.

“Being killed inside a church does not automatically make someone a martyr. If someone dies while stealing yam or is attacked by bandits, does that qualify as martyrdom? These are issues we must reflect on more deeply,” he said.

Responding to earlier reports suggesting he opposed designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” Kukah said such labels could worsen tensions and create opportunities for criminal groups to exploit divisions.

He explained that his position is based on extensive research, noting that he recently presented a 1,270-page study on genocide in Nigeria and elsewhere at the Vatican.

“My argument remains that claims of genocide or martyrdom in Nigeria are not accurate,” he said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 1,095 properties across Abuja after their owners failed to settle outstanding ground rent, land use conversion charges, and Certificate of Occupancy fees within a 14-day deadline that lapsed on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Department of Land Administration of the FCTA over the weekend.

According to the release, 835 properties were revoked over ground rent defaults, while 260 plots were affected due to unpaid land use contravention charges.

The publication also included details such as file numbers, cadastral zones, plot numbers, districts, outstanding sums, and revocation dates.

The FCTA explained that the enforcement followed “multiple notices” published in newspapers, online platforms, and broadcast media, urging defaulters to clear their liabilities.

It said failure to comply violated Section 28 (5a & b) of the Land Use Act, as well as the conditions tied to the respective Rights of Occupancy.

A wide range of property owners were affected, including federal and state agencies, private firms, and several well-known individuals.

Those named include: General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd.), Patience Jonathan, David Mark, Sule Lamido, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Emir of Ilorin Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Tony Anenih, and Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Others listed include former state governors such as Abdullahi Ganduje, Adeniyi Adebayo, Donald Duke, Aliyu Wamakko, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Ayodele Fayose, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Additional names include John Owan Enoh, Aminu Alhassan Dantata, Bashir Tofa, Audu Abubakar, Jimoh Ibrahim, Ado Abdullahi Bayero, Ghali Umar Na’abba, Olu Agunloye, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Iyabo Obasanjo, and Babatunde Idiagbon.

Several major public institutions were also affected, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Navy, Office of the National Security Adviser, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Police Force, NNPC, NSCDC, and the governments of Kaduna, Oyo, and Borno States.

Corporate bodies named in the revocation list include BUA International Limited, First Bank, Standard Trust Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Ecobank, Union Bank, United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

The FCTA stated that the revocation exercise is ongoing and will continue in accordance with the statutory powers granted under the Land Use Act.