By Joy Yesufu
The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal defamation case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, effectively ending the high-profile prosecution that generated nationwide attention and political controversy.
Certified court documents obtained in Abuja show that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed a Notice of Discontinuance on December 12, 2025, before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, terminating the criminal proceedings against the senator representing Kogi Central.
The suit, filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, arose from petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying over remarks she made during a televised interview on Politics Today, where she alleged that there were plans to assassinate her.
According to the Notice of Discontinuance, the withdrawal was effected pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, as well as 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 case had sparked widespread debate, particularly after the senator disclosed that she had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats to her life, only to be subsequently arraigned on criminal charges.
The prosecution attracted criticism from civil society groups, legal experts and media freedom advocates, who questioned its implications for freedom of expression and whistle-blower protection.
During the pendency of the trial, several prominent figures were listed as witnesses for the complainants, including Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Ekpenyong Asuquo, Reno Omokri and Sandra Duru.
Legal analysts say the discontinuance reflects the constitutional powers vested in the Attorney-General to terminate criminal proceedings in the public interest.
Politically, the development is expected to reignite discussions on free speech, the criminalisation of defamation and the handling of security-related allegations involving public office holders.
As of press time, the Office of the Attorney-General had yet to issue an official statement explaining the reasons for the withdrawal. However, the court filing brings a formal end to the criminal case against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has consistently denied the allegations against her.
