Defamation: The Federal Government has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
A Notice of Discontinuance, filed on December 12, 2025, by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF), notified the Federal High Court of the government’s decision to terminate the proceedings.
The criminal charge arose from petitions submitted by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, following statements made by the senator during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. In the interview, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that both men were involved in a plot to eliminate her.
Despite earlier submitting a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, alleging threats to her life, the senator was subsequently charged by the Federal Government with criminal defamation and cyberbullying.
Before its withdrawal, the prosecution had listed several high-profile witnesses, including Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru.
Defamation: This case is one of two criminal matters filed by the Federal Government against the senator. The second case, which is scheduled for hearing on Monday, may also be discontinued.
Importantly, both criminal charges were filed by the Federal Government, and not by Senate President Akpabio in his personal capacity.
The withdrawal follows a recent public statement by Senate President Akpabio, who announced his decision to discontinue all defamation-related cases. Speaking during a New Year’s Day church service, he disclosed that a sermon influenced his decision to abandon 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 said.
However, despite the discontinuance of the criminal defamation charge, Akpabio’s ₦200 billion civil defamation suit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains pending.
The civil action, filed in December 2025 at the FCT High Court, relates to allegations by the senator that the Senate President sexually harassed her. Akpabio is seeking substantial damages, retractions, and public apologies across major media platforms.
Court documents indicate that the Senate President claims the statements severely damaged his reputation and exposed him to public ridicule. Defamation.
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