The Federal Government has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation charges it filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, bringing to a close a high-profile prosecution that had drawn national attention and stirred political debate. The decision marks the end of a legal process that had pitted the senator against high-ranking political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. The case had become a focal point in discussions about freedom of speech, political accountability, and the use of criminal defamation laws in Nigeria, generating widespread commentary from legal experts, civil society groups, and political observers.
The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan originated from allegations she made during a televised interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, in which she claimed there were plans to eliminate her. In the interview, she implicated both Akpabio and Bello in purported schemes to harm her, a claim that triggered complaints from the two political figures. The Federal Government subsequently filed criminal defamation and cyber-bullying charges against the senator, alleging that her statements could damage the reputations of the Senate President and the former governor, while also linking Akpabio to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren. The charges were filed under the Penal Code and were prosecuted at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
On Sunday, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, confirmed that the defamation case had been discontinued. Eyiboh told reporters that the Senate President had instructed his legal team to withdraw all defamation cases in court, and that there was no exception for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. “When the Senate President made the decision to withdraw all defamation cases in court, he didn’t say ‘except Natasha’; he said all cases,” Eyiboh stated, emphasizing that the move was consistent with a broader directive to end ongoing legal proceedings of a similar nature.
The formal withdrawal was executed through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, which filed a Notice of Discontinuance before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, on December 12, 2025. The notice, submitted in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was filed pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, as well as the inherent powers of the court. The document, certified by the court under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, officially terminated the prosecution against the senator and effectively brought the legal proceedings to an end.
In the original charge, filed under suit number FCT/HC/CR/297/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of making statements that could defame Akpabio and Bello, alleging a conspiracy against her that included threats to her life. The prosecution argued that the senator’s televised claims amounted to criminal defamation and cyber-bullying, given their potential to damage the reputations of prominent public figures. According to official filings, the charges followed a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force, which examined all petitions and statements related to the case before charges were brought to court.
The prosecution maintained that the charges were consistent with existing laws and were instituted in good faith to uphold justice and prevent abuse of legal processes. In the Notice of Discontinuance, the Office of the Attorney-General emphasized that the criminal charge arose from a thorough investigation, including all petitions and parties involved, and that the filing of charges was not an abuse of prosecutorial discretion. The statement further clarified that the charges were pursued in accordance with the principles of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and were intended to safeguard legal integrity.
Legal analysts observing the case have noted that the withdrawal highlights the Federal Government’s discretion in managing defamation suits and the sensitivity required when high-profile political figures are involved. By discontinuing the charges, the government has avoided protracted legal battles and potential political fallout, while also addressing concerns raised by civil society groups who argued that criminal defamation laws can be misapplied to stifle legitimate public criticism. The move is being interpreted as a recognition of the importance of balancing reputational protection with freedom of expression.
For Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the discontinuation of the case provides legal relief and allows her to refocus on her political activities without the distraction of ongoing court proceedings. The senator had maintained that her comments were intended to highlight personal safety concerns and did not constitute criminal acts. The closure of the case may also reinforce public debate about the appropriate use of criminal defamation statutes in politically sensitive contexts, and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding both personal rights and public accountability.
The withdrawal has broader political implications, particularly given the high-profile nature of the parties involved. Both Akpabio and Bello are influential figures within Nigeria’s political landscape, and the case had been closely watched as a barometer of how political disputes intersect with legal mechanisms. By formally discontinuing the charges, the government has signaled a preference for de-escalation and reconciliation over contentious litigation, potentially setting a precedent for the handling of similar cases in the future.
As the political and legal discourse around Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case concludes, attention is likely to turn to the ongoing debates about electoral accountability, the limits of free expression, and the responsibilities of public officials to respond to criticism without resorting to criminal prosecution.