The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, has struck out the criminal defamation suit instituted by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following the withdrawal of the charges by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice C. N. Oji on Wednesday terminated the proceedings after the prosecution filed a notice of discontinuance in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Counsel to the Federal Government told the court that the decision to discontinue the matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, was taken pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the ACJA, 2015.
The notice, dated December 12, 2025, was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M. B. Abubakar, and an Assistant Chief State Counsel, Aderonke Imana, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Court records show that the notice was received and endorsed by the court on December 15, 2025, and certified as a true copy on December 18, 2025.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Oji acknowledged the notice and formally struck out the case, which had lingered for several months.
The charges stemmed from petitions allegedly written by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over comments credited to the senator during a televised interview, where she claimed her life had been threatened. She was subsequently charged with criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.
Reacting to the ruling, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as a vindication, expressing confidence in the judiciary.
“Today’s outcome reaffirms my faith in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of Nigerians,” she said.
She also appreciated her legal team, supporters and constituents for their support, pledging to remain focused on her legislative duties.
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