The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal defamation case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing to an end a prosecution that generated widespread political debate and public attention across the country.
Certified court documents obtained in Abuja indicate that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, on December 12, 2025, filed a Notice of Discontinuance before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.
The filing effectively terminated the criminal proceedings against the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The case, filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, followed petitions submitted by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Akpoti-Uduaghan had been charged with criminal defamation and cyber-bullying over comments she made during a televised interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, where she alleged that there were plans to eliminate her.
According to the Notice of Discontinuance, the prosecution was withdrawn pursuant to the provisions of Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and under the inherent powers of the court.
The document was signed on behalf of the Attorney-General by officials of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation and duly certified by the court.
The withdrawal followed months of legal controversy surrounding the matter. Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier raised concerns over alleged threats to her life and reportedly petitioned the Inspector-General of Police on the issue.
She was, however, later arraigned on criminal charges arising from the same claims.
Several prominent Nigerians, including Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Ambassador Reno Omokri and Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, had been listed as prosecution witnesses before the discontinuance of the case.
As at the time of filing this report, there was no official explanation from the Attorney-General’s office on the reasons for withdrawing the charges.
The senator, who has consistently maintained her innocence, is yet to comment on the latest development.
