By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 4, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the criminal defamation case filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, court documents have shown.
Akpoti-Uduaghan represents 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 (AGF) informed the Federal High Court of the government’s decision to terminate the criminal proceedings against the Senator.
The charges arose from petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which led to criminal defamation and cyberbullying counts being brought against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senator had been arraigned over comments she made during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where she accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
Despite submitting a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, alleging threats to her life which she said was ignored, Akpoti-Uduaghan was subsequently charged for publicly making the allegations.
Court records showed that Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru were listed as witnesses for Akpabio and Bello.
The withdrawn charge is one of two criminal cases instituted by the Federal Government against the Senator.
The second case, also filed by the government, is scheduled to come up on Monday and may similarly be withdrawn.
Both cases were initiated by the Federal Government, not by Akpabio in his personal capacity.
The development comes days after Akpabio publicly announced his decision to withdraw all court cases he instituted against individuals over alleged defamation.
On January 1, SaharaReporters reported that the Senate President directed his legal team to discontinue all defamation suits, including those involving Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio made the announcement during a church programme, saying a sermon by a cleric prompted a change of heart.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” he said.
“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.”
Although Akpabio did not disclose the identities or status of the cases, previous reports indicated a prolonged legal confrontation between him and the Kogi Central Senator.
In December 2025, Akpabio also filed a ₦200 billion civil defamation suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
In the suit, he accused the Senator of making malicious allegations that he sexually harassed her, claims he said severely damaged his reputation and subjected him to public ridicule.
Court documents show that Akpabio is seeking massive damages, formal retractions, and nationwide broadcast apologies.
