The Federal Government has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation case it instituted against the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing to an end a high-profile prosecution that sparked nationwide debate and political controversy.
A telephone conversation with the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Eseme Eyiboh, confirmed that the suit has been withdrawn.
The criminal case followed petitions written by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, against the Kogi Central senator.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying over comments she allegedly made during a televised interview. During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan was alleged to have said that there were plans to eliminate her.
Reports say the senate President had on Thursday January 1, said he had directed his lawyers to withdraw all court cases he instituted against individuals over alleged defamation, saying he was moved by a priest’s counsel during a New Year Mass.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance dated December 12, 2025, before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, effectively terminating the charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The document was signed on behalf of the Attorney-General by officials of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation and was duly certified by the court.
