Two courts in Abuja on Thursday struck out separate criminal charges filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following the Federal Government’s withdrawal of the cases.
At the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Justice Chizoba Orji struck out the criminal defamation charge after the prosecution, represented by Aderonke Imana, informed the court that a notice of discontinuance had been filed. The defence raised no objection but requested the release of all documents belonging to the senator and her sureties.
In a brief ruling, Justice Orji discharged Akpoti-Uduaghan and her sureties and ordered the immediate return of all seized documents.
In a related development, a Federal High Court in Abuja also struck out an alleged cybercrime charge against the senator. Justice Mohammed Umar reportedly took the decision in chambers after the prosecution similarly withdrew the case.
The charges stemmed from claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview, in which she alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to kill her. The cases had generated nationwide debate over freedom of expression and prosecutorial powers.
Although the OAGF did not publicly state the reason for discontinuing the cases, the move followed Akpabio’s recent decision to withdraw all defamation suits filed in his name. The Senate President said the action was guided by moral conviction, faith and the responsibilities of legislative leadership.
Separately, Justice C. N. Oji of the Federal High Court acknowledged a notice of discontinuance dated December 12, 2025, and formally terminated proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. He said the development underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial authority.
Reacting to the rulings, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication, reaffirming her commitment to the rule of law and to serving her constituents. She also thanked her legal team and supporters for their backing throughout the legal process.
Civil society groups had earlier criticised the prosecution of the senator, warning that it could undermine free speech and political accountability in Nigeria’s democracy.
