The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed the criminal charges brought by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following the withdrawal of the case by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Court documents indicated that the Attorney-General of the Federation submitted a Notice of Discontinuance, thereby terminating the criminal defamation and related allegations brought against the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The action brought an end to a case that had drawn widespread public interest and triggered national conversations on freedom of expression and political accountability.
The charges stemmed from statements allegedly made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview.
The matter, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, had been before the court for several months, while the Notice of Discontinuance dated December 12, 2025, was formally presented at the resumed hearing.
The presiding judge, Justice C. N. Oji, took note of the filing and accordingly struck out the case. In brief comments, he noted that the withdrawal highlighted the need for caution in the exercise of prosecutorial authority, especially in cases carrying significant public and political weight. He added that the decision could help reinforce respect for the rule of law and support democratic stability.
Counsel representing the Federal Government confirmed the development in open court, explaining that the decision to discontinue the prosecution was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The prosecution said the move was guided by the overall interest of justice and the need to maintain public trust in the legal system.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a validation of her stance and a reaffirmation of her confidence in the judiciary. She stated that the ruling showed that the rule of law remains central to Nigeria’s democracy and added that she would continue to focus on her legislative responsibilities and service to the people of Kogi Central.
She also thanked her legal team and supporters for their consistent support throughout the case.
The case had sparked considerable controversy, with various civil society groups, legal analysts and political observers faulting the charges as an effort to stifle free expression and political opposition. Its dismissal is expected to reignite debates on the boundaries of criminal prosecution in political speech and the proper use of state power within a democratic system.
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