Justice C. N. Oji terminated the case on Wednesday upon the presentation of a notice of discontinuance by the prosecution
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has struck out the criminal defamation suit instituted by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation discontinued the matter.
Justice C. N. Oji terminated the case on Wednesday upon the presentation of a notice of discontinuance by the prosecution.
Government counsel told the court that the withdrawal of the charge, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, was carried out in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The notice, dated December 12, 2025, was filed under Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the ACJA, 2015.
It was jointly signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M. B. Abubakar, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, Aderonke Imana, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
Court records indicated that the notice was received and endorsed on December 15, 2025, and later certified as a true copy on December 18, 2025.
At the resumed sitting, Justice Oji acknowledged the notice and formally brought the long-running proceedings to an end.
The charges stemmed from petitions reportedly written by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, following comments made by the senator during a television interview.
During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her life had been threatened.
She was thereafter arraigned on charges of criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.
Speaking after the ruling, the senator described the outcome as a clear vindication and an affirmation of her trust in the judicial process.
She said, “The decision reinforces my faith in the rule of law. I remain dedicated to serving my constituents and standing up for the democratic rights of Nigerians.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also expressed appreciation to her legal team, constituents and supporters for their support throughout the case.
She added that her focus would remain on her duties as a lawmaker.
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