The Federal Government has officially withdrawn the criminal defamation case it filed against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, effectively concluding a high-profile prosecution that ignited nationwide debate and political controversy.
Confirmation of the suit’s withdrawal came via a telephone conversation with Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, on Sunday.
The criminal case stemmed from petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello against Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying over remarks she allegedly made during a televised interview on the Channels Television programme, Politics Today, where she claimed there were plans to eliminate her.
Commenting on the withdrawal, Eyiboh stated, “When the Senate President made the decision to withdraw all defamation cases in court, he didn’t say ‘except Natasha’; he said all cases.”
On Thursday, Akpabio revealed that he had instructed his lawyers to withdraw all court cases he initiated against individuals for alleged defamation, stating that he was moved by a priest’s counsel during a New Year Mass.
Additionally, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation submitted a Notice of Discontinuance dated December 12, 2025, to the Federal High Court in Abuja, effectively terminating the charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The notice, filed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was submitted in accordance with Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as under the inherent powers of the court. It was signed by officials from the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation and was duly certified by the court.
The notice of discontinuance was filed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 between the Federal Government and Akpoti-Uduaghan. The document stated, “The Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation intends to discontinue proceedings in this matter.”
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