The defamation suit filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation against the senator representing Kogi Central has now been officially dismissed.
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the administration under President Bola Tinubu formally withdrew the criminal defamation lawsuit lodged at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court targeting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This withdrawal brings an end to the contentious legal dispute initiated by the Attorney-General’s office against the Kogi Central lawmaker.
According to reports from SaharaReporters, the Attorney-General’s office submitted a Notice of Discontinuance, prompting the court to formally dismiss the criminal defamation charges and related allegations against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The case, which ignited national conversations about freedom of expression and political accountability, originated from comments the senator made during a televised interview.
The discontinuance document, dated December 12, 2025, officially ended the proceedings under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025.
Justice C. N. Oji, who presided over the matter, acknowledged the discontinuance and consequently struck out the case. In his remarks, the judge underscored the necessity for judicious use of prosecutorial powers.
“This resolution is hoped to foster prudence, promote reconciliation, and reinforce the rule of law within our democratic system,” Justice Oji stated.
The government’s legal representative confirmed the withdrawal in court, explaining that the move complies with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance pursuant to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,” the counsel declared. “This action is intended to uphold justice and sustain public confidence in our judicial institutions.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a vindication of her position and a boost to democratic values.
“This outcome reaffirms my trust in the rule of law. I remain committed to representing my constituents and defending the democratic rights of Nigerians,” she said. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to her legal team and supporters for their steadfast dedication throughout the ordeal.
The dismissal concludes months of legal controversy and public discourse, with numerous civil society organizations and human rights defenders previously condemning the lawsuit as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement.
Earlier, on January 4, SaharaReporters disclosed that the Nigerian government had already withdrawn the initial criminal defamation suit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Attorney-General’s office filed the notice of discontinuance on December 12, 2025, signaling the government’s intention to terminate the criminal proceedings.
The lawsuit originated from complaints filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which led to the charges against the senator.
The senator faced charges following statements she made on Channels TV’s Politics Today, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where she accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting against her. Despite lodging a petition with the Inspector General of Police regarding threats to her safety-which she claimed was ignored-Akpoti-Uduaghan was charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying for publicly raising these concerns.
On January 1, it was reported that Akpabio directed his legal team to drop all ongoing defamation suits against various individuals, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. He announced this decision during a church service, revealing that a recent sermon inspired him to reconsider his legal approach.
