A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has dismissed the criminal case brought by the federal government against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
The presiding judge, Chizoba Orji, struck out the matter on Thursday following a notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution.
During the court session, West Idahosa, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, requested that the case be struck out in light of the prosecution’s move to discontinue the suit
He further prayed the court to release all documents belonging to the senator and her sureties. The prosecution did not object to the application.
As a result, the court discharged the sureties and ordered the return of all documents to the defendant and her sureties.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had been arraigned in June 2025 on a three-count charge of criminal defamation, with the federal government listed as the complainant.
The charges, filed on May 16, 2025, were captured under suit number CR/297/25.
Senate Press Secretary Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were named as the nominal complainants in the case.
The lawmaker faced allegations of making statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan called the outcome a vindication of her stance.
She said, “Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians.”
