An Abuja High Court on Thursday ended the criminal case brought by the Federal Government against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision followed a move by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to withdraw the charges, bringing a widely discussed legal battle to a close.
Court documents showed that the Attorney-General’s office filed a Notice of Discontinuance, which led the court to strike out the criminal defamation and related charges earlier filed against the lawmaker. The case arose from statements Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of making during a television interview, a development that had drawn public attention across the country.
The matter had remained in the spotlight for months, with debates focusing on free speech, political responsibility, and the power of the state to prosecute public officials. The notice withdrawing the case, dated December 12, 2025, officially ended proceedings in the suit before the court.
Justice C. N. Oji, who presided over the case, acknowledged the notice in open court and struck out the charges accordingly. The judge noted that the outcome pointed to the need for caution in the use of prosecutorial authority within a democratic system.
Lawyers representing the Federal Government confirmed that the charges were withdrawn in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, stating that the decision was taken in the interest of justice and public trust in the legal process.
After the court session, Akpoti-Uduaghan welcomed the decision, describing it as a confirmation of her stance. She said she would continue to serve the people of Kogi Central and defend democratic rights, while also appreciating her legal team and supporters for standing by her throughout the case.
The withdrawal of the charges followed months of legal tension and public discussion, during which civil society groups and rights advocates had criticised the case, saying it could limit free expression and political participation in the country.