By Naomi Jeremiah
The Federal Government has discontinued the criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ending a legal dispute that had drawn national attention and stirred political debate within Nigeria’s 10th Senate.
The decision, taken by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, was communicated through a notice of discontinuance filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on December 12, 2025.
At Thursday’s sitting, Justice Chizoba Orji struck out the charges, formally cleared the Kogi Central lawmaker, and ordered the release of her international passport and other documents earlier deposited with the court.
The case originated in July 2025 after comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during Senate proceedings about Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The prosecution quickly became a flashpoint in wider discussions about freedom of expression, legislative immunity, and the continued use of criminal defamation laws in political disagreements.
Speaking after the ruling, the senator described the outcome as a moment of relief following months of legal pressure.
“I’m deeply grateful that this matter has been dismissed by the High Court of the FCT,” she said, adding that she remains hopeful that a related case pending at the Federal High Court will also be resolved in her favour.
Her legal team said the withdrawal showed that the case should not have been pursued in the first place, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been penalised for raising concerns rather than protected.
“She sought help and ended up being prosecuted,” her counsel said, describing the experience as emotionally draining for the senator.
The lawyer also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the decision to withdraw the case reflected a review of the facts and respect for due process.
He emphasised that the discontinued charge was brought by the Federal Government, not a private individual, and questioned the appropriateness of using public resources to pursue criminal defamation matters linked to personal reputation.
With the case now struck out, the development brings closure to one of the most contentious legal episodes of the year and reignites calls for reforms around free speech, political accountability, and the role of state power in democratic governance.
Source: Arise News