The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal defamation case filed against the senator representing Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
A notice of discontinuance, filed on December 12, 2025, by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, formally informed the Federal High Court of the decision to terminate the proceedings.
The case was triggered by petitions from Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had made allegations on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’, accusing both men of plotting to eliminate her.
Despite submitting a petition to the Inspector General of Police alleging threats to her life, the senator was instead charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying.
Listed witnesses in the now-withdrawn case included Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru.
This is one of two cases instituted by the Federal Government against the senator. The second case is scheduled for a hearing on Monday and may also be withdrawn.
It is important to note that both charges were filed by the Federal Government, not directly by Akpabio in his personal capacity.
The development comes shortly after Senate President Akpabio publicly pledged to withdraw all defamation-related lawsuits.
Speaking during a New Year’s Day church service, Akpabio said a cleric’s sermon had inspired him to let go of the litigations.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realized he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” he stated.
Despite the withdrawal of the criminal charge, Akpabio’s ₦200 billion civil defamation suit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains pending.
Filed in December 2025, the suit accuses her of falsely claiming that he sexually harassed her. The Senate President is seeking damages, retractions, and public apologies across major platforms.
Documents from the FCT High Court detail claims that the senator’s statements gravely injured Akpabio’s reputation and subjected him to public ridicule.
