Court Dumps FG Case Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Orders Return of Seized Documents
by Passman Akpos
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has struck out the criminal charges instituted by the federal government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly.
The presiding judge, Justice Chizoba Orji, struck out the suit on Thursday after the prosecution filed a notice of discontinuance. At the hearing, counsel to the senator, West Idahosa, moved the court to strike out the matter in line with the prosecution’s application. He also requested the release of all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties.
The prosecution did not oppose the application. Consequently, Justice Orji struck out the case, discharged the sureties, and ordered that all documents deposited with the court be returned.Akpoti-Uduaghan had been arraigned in June 2025 on a three-count charge of criminal defamation, following charges filed on May 16, 2025, under suit number CR/297/25. The federal government was listed as the complainant, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were named as nominal complainants.
According to the charge, the lawmaker was accused of making imputations “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 after the court session, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a vindication.
“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,” she said.
Public Reactions and ControversyThe court’s decision has continued to generate strong reactions across political and social circles. In the wake of the ruling, unverified claims and counter-claims have resurfaced online concerning the long-running dispute between the parties involved.
Observers note that some of the allegations circulating on social media remain unproven and were not tested before the court in the criminal defamation case that was struck out. Legal analysts caution that such claims should be treated with restraint, stressing the importance of due process, evidence, and responsible public discourse.
For now, the court’s decision brings an end to the criminal proceedings against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while broader political and ethical debates surrounding the matter continue to play out in the public arena.
