Breaking: FG Drops Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Natasha – Legal Drama Ends

The Federal Government has officially withdrawn the criminal defamation case brought against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A notice of discontinuance, filed on December 12, 2025, by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, formally informed the Federal High Court of the decision to terminate the proceedings.

The case stemmed from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged on Channels TV’s Politics Today that both men were plotting to harm her.

Despite submitting a petition to the Inspector General of Police over threats to her life, the senator was instead charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying.

Witnesses listed in the now-withdrawn case included Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru.

This marks one of two cases filed by the Federal Government against the senator. The second case is scheduled for hearing on Monday and may also be withdrawn. Notably, both charges were initiated by the Federal Government, not directly by Akpabio in a personal capacity.

The development follows Senate President Akpabio’s public announcement that he would drop all defamation-related lawsuits. Speaking during a New Year’s Day church service, Akpabio explained that a cleric’s sermon inspired him to let go of the litigations.

“I had almost nine cases in court against individuals who defamed me, lied against me, and slandered my name. But when I listened to the priest, I realized he was speaking to me. I have therefore directed my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” he said.

However, Akpabio’s ₦200 billion civil defamation suit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains pending. Filed in December 2025, the suit alleges that she falsely accused him of sexual harassment and seeks damages, public retractions, and apologies across major media platforms. Court documents claim that her statements caused significant harm to Akpabio’s reputation and subjected him to public ridicule.