The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal defamation case it instituted last year against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The withdrawal marks the end of what many regarded as a high-profile case that generated nationwide attention and intense political debate.
Certified court records obtained in Abuja at the weekend show that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, on 12 December 2025, filed a Notice of Discontinuance before the Federal High Court in Abuja, thereby terminating the case against the senator representing Kogi Central.
The suit, filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, followed petitions reportedly submitted by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying over comments made during a live interview on Politics Today, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, in which she alleged that there were plans to eliminate her.
According to the Notice of Discontinuance, the prosecution was withdrawn pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
The document was signed on behalf of the Attorney-General by officials of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation and was formally certified by the court.
The withdrawal follows several months of legal controversy. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier raised concerns about alleged threats to her life.
Although she was said to have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, she was later arraigned on criminal charges arising from her public alarm.
Prominent Nigerians, including Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, recently appointed Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, among others, were listed as prosecution witnesses.
At the time this report was filed, there was no official statement from the Attorney-General’s office explaining the reason for the withdrawal.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has repeatedly insisted on her innocence, has yet to issue a public response to the latest development.
