Federal Government Withdraws Criminal Defamation Charges Against Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan
The Federal Government has formally discontinued the criminal defamation proceedings instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan of Kogi Central, thereby concluding a high‑profile case that had generated significant national debate and political controversy.
The prosecution originated from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, confirmed on Sunday that the suit had been withdrawn, noting that the Senate President had earlier directed his lawyers to discontinue all defamation actions he had instituted.
Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan had been charged with criminal defamation and cyber‑bullying following remarks made during a televised interview on Politics Today (Channels Television), where she alleged threats to her life.
The Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) filed a formal Notice of Discontinuance dated 12 December 2025 before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.
The notice was filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was submitted pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and under the inherent powers of the court.
The filing was signed by officials of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation and certified under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025.
In the original charge (FCT/HC/CR/297/25), Akpoti‑Uduaghan was accused of making imputations capable of injuring the reputation of Akpabio, alleging conspiracy with Bello to harm her, and linking Akpabio to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren, in contravention of provisions of the Penal Code.
The prosecution maintained that the charges were filed after a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which examined all petitions and parties involved.
The AGF’s office stressed that the charges were consistent with extant laws, and they were instituted in good faith, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of prosecutorial powers. The discontinuance was therefore a lawful exercise of prosecutorial discretion under the ACJA.
