The Federal Government has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation charges instituted against the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing an end to a months-long legal battle that deepened political tensions within the 10th Senate.
The withdrawal was effected through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), which filed a notice of discontinuance dated 12 December 2025 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Chizoba Orji struck out the suit and formally discharged Akpoti-Uduaghan. The trial judge also ordered the immediate release of the senator’s travel documents, as well as the title deeds submitted by her sureties.
The case, which began in July 2025, followed public allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary sessions, triggering intense national debate over free speech, legislative oversight, and the limits of criminal defamation.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed relief and gratitude, describing the ruling as a significant milestone in her legal ordeal.
“I’m actually very honoured and overwhelmed with gratitude that we had our first case officially dismissed in the court, which is the High Court of the FCT,” she said. “We’ll now be heading to the Federal High Court, where we hope that the second federal government suit against me will also be officially dismissed.”
She added, “I’m very grateful and excited. Even though I wasn’t feeling too well, I suddenly have this surge of energy. Thank you all so much.”
Counsel to the senator described the outcome as a victory for justice, noting that the case had placed undue emotional and legal strain on his client.
“It’s been an exciting challenge, and we are happy that the government has found that there is probably no use pursuing this matter,” he said. “We are glad that justice has been done. Our client was a victim. She raised an alarm and ended up being arraigned in court. It was traumatic.”
He added that Akpoti-Uduaghan had sought protection but instead found herself in the dock. “Somebody who wanted protection was, at the end of the day, standing trial,” he said. “But I’m happy there has been a progressive review of the case.”
The lawyer also credited President Bola Tinubu for what he described as an atmosphere that allowed justice to prevail.
“I have to commend Mr President. It is instructive to note that without his leadership, the justice we are celebrating today may not have been achieved,” he said.
He further clarified that the withdrawn case was distinct from any private civil actions, stressing that the prosecution was initiated by the Federal Government itself.
“This was an action initiated by the government of Nigeria,” he said. “We had raised a preliminary objection, arguing that public funds should not be used to defend the reputation of an individual, no matter what office he holds.”
According to him, that objection was supported by extensive documentation and may have prompted a reconsideration of the case.
“We believe that the government took another look at the matter, and today, in my view, natural justice has prevailed,” he said.
The withdrawal brings to a close one of the most closely watched legal controversies of the year, which had fuelled debates over political accountability, abuse of state power, and the criminalisation of dissent within Nigeria’s democratic space.
Boluwatife Enome
Follow us on:
