Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal charge against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central.
The notice of discontinuance was filed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 between the federal government and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This bringsto an end a high-profile prosecution that had attracted nationwide attention and stirred intense political debate.
Certified court documents indicate that the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), on December 12, 2025, filed a Notice of Discontinuance before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, thereby terminating the criminal proceedings against the senator representing Kogi Central.
The suit, filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, followed petitions submitted by Godswill Akpabio and Yahaya Bello. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been charged with criminal defamation and cyber-bullying over comments she made during a televised interview on Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, in which she alleged that there were plans to eliminate her.
According to the Notice of Discontinuance, the prosecution was withdrawn pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, as well as under the inherent powers of the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 Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation intends to discontinue proceeding in this matter,” the notice reads.
The withdrawal follows months of legal controversy after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly raised concerns over alleged threats to her life.
Although she reportedly petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the matter, she was later arraigned on criminal charges for speaking out—an action that drew sharp criticism from civil society organisations and press-freedom advocates.
During the pendency of the case, several prominent figures were listed as witnesses for the complainants, including Usman Ododo, Ekpenyong Asuquo, Reno Omokri and Sandra Duru.
Legal analysts say the development underscores the constitutional discretion vested in the Attorney-General to discontinue criminal proceedings in the public interest. Politically, the move is expected to recalibrate national discourse on freedom of expression, whistle-blowing, and the handling of security-related allegations by public officials.
Last Thursday, Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, said he had directed his lawyers to withdraw all court cases he instituted against individuals over alleged defamation.
In December 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation suit at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Abuja against Akpoti-Uduaghan, over sexual harassment allegations made against him.
