Dare Babalola
Justice Chizoba Orji of the FCT High Court in Abuja has struck out the alleged defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following the Federal Government’s application to discontinue the case.
Earlier, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) arraigned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before Justice Orji on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
She was charged on three counts bordering on harmful imputation in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/297/2025.
She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against her.
Justice Orji struck out the case at the resumed hearing following an application to that effect made by the prosecuting counsel, Aderonke Imana.
The prosecutor informed the court of the intention of the prosecution to discontinue the case.
Responding, counsel for the senator, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, urged the court to strike out the matter following the prosecution’s application for discontinuance.
The senior advocate also urged the court to order the release of all documents submitted by the senator and her sureties.
The prosecuting counsel did not oppose the defence counsel’s application for the matter to be struck out.
In a short ruling, Justice Orji struck out the suit, discharged the sureties and ordered that all documents submitted by them be returned.
Reacting after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her position.
“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, while thanking her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the proceedings.
