Federal Government Drops Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Natasha

The Federal Government has officially withdrawn the criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly. A notice of discontinuance, filed on December 12, 2025, by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, informed the Federal High Court of the termination of proceedings.

The case stemmed from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, following allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan on Channels TV’s Politics Today that both men plotted to eliminate her. Despite her petition to the Inspector General of Police reporting threats to her life, the senator faced criminal defamation and cyberbullying charges.

Witnesses listed in the now-withdrawn case included Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru. This withdrawal represents one of two cases filed by the Federal Government against Akpoti-Uduaghan; the second case is scheduled for hearing on Monday and could also be discontinued.

The withdrawal follows public statements by Senate President Akpabio, who, during a New Year’s Day church service, committed to ending all defamation-related lawsuits. Akpabio cited inspiration from a cleric’s sermon as motivation for letting go of the legal actions.

While the criminal defamation case has been withdrawn, Akpabio’s ₦200 billion civil suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan remains active. Filed in December 2025, the civil case accuses the senator of falsely claiming that he sexually harassed her and seeks damages, retractions, and public apologies. Court documents assert that her statements severely damaged Akpabio’s reputation and subjected him to public ridicule.