The Federal Government has officially withdrawn the criminal defamation case it instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing to a close a highly controversial prosecution that sparked widespread political debate across Nigeria.
Court documents obtained in Abuja confirm that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed a Notice of Discontinuance on December 12, 2025, before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division. The filing effectively terminated all criminal proceedings against the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The case, which was instituted in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, followed petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Prosecutors had accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of criminal defamation and cyber-bullying over comments she made during a televised interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
During the interview, the senator alleged that there were plans to eliminate her, a claim that generated intense public reaction and raised concerns about political intimidation. Despite later petitioning the Inspector-General of Police over what she described as threats to her life, she was subsequently arraigned on criminal charges linked to the same statements.
According to the Notice of Discontinuance, the Federal Government relied on the provisions of Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, alongside the inherent powers of the court, to withdraw the prosecution. The document was signed by officials of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation on behalf of the Attorney-General and was duly certified by the court.
The now-withdrawn case had drawn national attention, with several prominent figures listed as prosecution witnesses. Among them were Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, newly sworn-in Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, underscoring the political weight of the trial.
As of the time of filing this report, the Office of the Attorney-General has not issued an official statement explaining the reasons behind the decision to discontinue the case. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has also yet to publicly react to the latest development.
The withdrawal marks a significant turning point in a legal battle that raised broader questions about freedom of expression, political dissent, and the use of criminal defamation laws in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Get real time update about this post category directly on your device, subscribe now.