This brings an end to the defamation case instituted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
President Bola Tinubu's government on Thursday, January 15, 2026, withdrew the criminal suit filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This brings an end to the defamation case instituted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
SaharaReporters learnt that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, prompting the court to formally strike out the criminal defamation and related charges earlier brought against the lawmaker.
The charges, which generated intense public debate around freedom of expression and political accountability, arose from comments made by the senator during a televised interview.
The notice of discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end.
Presiding over the matter, Justice C. N. Oji acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the case.
In his remarks, the judge noted that the development underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers
“The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” Justice Oji said.
Counsel for the Nigerian Government confirmed the development in open court, explaining that the decision was taken in line with extant legal provisions.
“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,” he stated.
“This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.”
Reacting after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her position and an affirmation of democratic values.
“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” she said.
She thanked her legal team and supporters for their steadfast support throughout the proceedings.
The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with several civil society organisations and rights advocates previously condemning the case as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement.
On January 4, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerian government withdrew the first criminal defamation case filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
A notice of discontinuance filed on December 12, 2025, by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) informed the Federal High Court of the government’s decision to terminate the criminal proceedings against the senator.
The case arose from petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which led to criminal charges being brought against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The lawmaker had been arraigned over statements she made on Channels TV’s Politics Today, a programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, in which she accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to eliminate her.
Despite her petition to the Inspector General of Police alleging threats to her life, which she said was ignored, Akpoti-Uduaghan was subsequently charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying for publicly raising the allegations.
On January 1, SaharaReporters reported that Akpabio had directed his legal team to immediately discontinue all ongoing court cases he instituted against individuals accused of defamation, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and several others.
Akpabio made the announcement during a church programme, admitting that a cleric’s sermon compelled him to reconsider his actions.