A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has dismissed criminal charges brought against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, after federal government withdrew the case.
Gatekeepers News reports that presiding Judge Chizoba Orji struck out the suit on Thursday following a notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution. At the hearing, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, West Idahosa, requested that the court discharge the sureties and return all documents belonging to the defendant. The prosecution did not oppose the request.
As a result, the case was formally struck out, and the sureties were released with their documents returned.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had been arraigned in June 2025 on three counts of criminal defamation, with the federal government as the complainant.
The charges, filed in May 2025 under suit number CR/297|25, were linked to allegations that she made statements intended to harm the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, under section 391 of the Penal Code.
After the court ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan hailed the outcome as a vindication. She said, “Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians.”
The case marks the end of a legal dispute that had drawn national attention, with observers noting that the government’s withdrawal underscores the importance of adherence to due process in politically sensitive matters.
