Alleged Defamation: Court Dismisses FG’s Suit Against Natasha

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has dismissed the criminal defamation case filed 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 struck out the case on Wednesday after the AGF filed a notice of discontinuance of the case.

Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed in open court that the decision to discontinue the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, was taken in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, was filed pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the ACJA, 2015.

The notice was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M. B. Abubakar, and Aderonke Imana, Assistant Chief State Counsel, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The document further indicates that the Federal High Court received and endorsed the notice on December 15, 2025, and subsequently certified it as a true copy on December 18, 2025.

At the resumed hearing, Justice Oji, acknowledged the notice and formally terminated the proceedings, which had been pending for several months.

The charges followed petitions reportedly submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello over comments made by the senator during a televised interview, in which she alleged threats to her life.

She was thereafter charged with criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.

Reacting after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the dismissal of the case as a vindication of her stance and a reaffirmation of her confidence in the judiciary.

“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,” she said.

The senator also thanked her legal team, constituents and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal process, noting that she would remain focused on her legislative responsibilities.