After the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) withdrew the case, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja High Court on Thursday dismissed the criminal charges brought by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to court documents, the AGF issued a Notice of Discontinuance, ending the criminal defamation and associated charges against the senator from Kogi Central Senatorial District. A court issue that had garnered significant public attention and ignited a national discussion about political accountability and freedom of expression was essentially resolved by this result. The accusations stemmed from remarks that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made in a televised interview.
The lawsuit, designated FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, had been in court for a number of months. During the resumed hearing, the court was formally presented with the notice of discontinuance, which was dated December 12, 2025.
Justice C. N. Oji, the presiding court, recognised the filing and dismissed the case as a result. In a succinct statement, the court noted that the withdrawal highlighted the significance of exercising prosecutorial authority with caution, especially when dealing with cases that have substantial public and political ramifications. He expressed optimism that the ruling will advance democratic stability and increase respect for the rule of law.
The decision to drop the case was made in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act's provisions, according to counsel to the Federal Government, who verified the development in public court. The prosecution claims that the necessity to maintain public trust in the legal system and the larger interest of justice served as the driving forces behind the withdrawal.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan responded to the court session by characterising the result as a confirmation of her belief in the judiciary and a justification of her views. She added that she would continue to concentrate on her legislative responsibilities and serving the people of Kogi Central, saying that the decision showed that the rule of law is still the cornerstone of Nigeria's democracy. She also thanked her fans and legal team for their unwavering support during the procedures.
Numerous civil society organisations, legal experts, and political observers criticised the accusations as an attempt to stifle free speech and political criticism in the case, which sparked intense controversy. It is anticipated that its striking out will rekindle debates about the proper use of state authority in a democratic society and the boundaries of criminal prosecution in political discourse.
