LunagisthubNigeria’s Federal Government Withdraws Criminal Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Federal Government of Nigeria has discontinued the criminal defamation case filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The decision to terminate the proceedings was communicated to the Federal High Court through a notice of discontinuance dated December 12, 2025 .
The case arose from petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory statements against them on a television program. Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to eliminate her, and despite her petition to the Inspector General of Police alleging threats to her life, she was charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying .
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) filed the notice of discontinuance, citing sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. This development comes days after Akpabio publicly pledged to withdraw all court cases he instituted against individuals over alleged defamation .
The withdrawal of the case has sparked debate on freedom of expression and the handling of security-related allegations by public officials. Akpabio had filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of publishing malicious allegations that he sexually harassed her. The Senate President is still seeking damages, retractions, and nationwide apologies .
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