Abuja High Court Strikes Out Federal Government’s Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan
Abuja — A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has struck out the criminal defamation and related charges brought by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, marking a significant legal turnaround in a matter that had drawn national attention over issues of free expression, political rivalry and prosecutorial discretion.
The decision was delivered on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) filed a Notice of Discontinuance in the matter before the court. The notice, dated December 12, 2025, led the presiding judge, Justice C. N. Oji, to formally strike out the case against the senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, bringing an end to proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025.
The charges stemmed from allegations that Akpoti‑Uduaghan made defamatory statements during a televised interview, accusations that had sparked intense debate about the balance between political accountability and freedom of speech. In open court, counsel to the Federal Government confirmed that the discontinuance was filed in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and described the move as being in the “overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.”
In delivering the ruling, Justice Oji noted that the striking out of the charges underscored the importance of restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers and the need for such actions to strengthen, rather than weaken, public trust in democratic processes. “The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” the judge said.
Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan welcomed the development, describing the outcome as a vindication of her position and an affirmation of her belief in the rule of law. She thanked her legal team, constituents and supporters for their steadfast support throughout the proceedings, and reaffirmed her commitment to serving her district while defending democratic rights.
The case had drawn sustained public interest, with civil liberties advocates and political commentators alike weighing in on broader questions about the use of criminal defamation laws in political contexts. Critics of the initial prosecution had argued that criminal charges in such situations could have a chilling effect on free speech, particularly when made against elected officials engaged in public discourse.
Legal watchers say the court’s action may have broader implications for how defamation and related offences are pursued in Nigeria, especially in politically charged cases involving high‑profile figures. The notice of discontinuance, and the subsequent striking out of the charges, signal a retreat by the Federal Government from a prosecution that had already become emblematic of tensions between public officeholders and government power.
With the criminal charges now dismissed, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan can focus on her legislative duties and ongoing political engagements without the overhang of the Abuja case. The outcome also closes a chapter in what had become a prolonged legal and political saga, and may influence future prosecutorial decisions in similar matters moving forward.
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