FG Withdraws Defamation Charges Against Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal Government has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, according to documents filed before the Federal High Court.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, was notified of the development through a notice of discontinuance submitted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation on December 12, 2025. The filing confirmed the government’s decision to terminate the criminal proceedings.

The charges stemmed from petitions reportedly submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which prompted the initiation of the case against the senator. She had been arraigned over comments made during a televised interview on Politics Today, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where she alleged that both Akpabio and Bello were involved in a plot to assassinate her.

Despite previously petitioning the Inspector General of Police over what she described as threats to her life—claims she said received no response—Akpoti-Uduaghan was later charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying for making the allegations publicly.

Court filings listed Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, and activist Sandra Duru among witnesses expected to testify for Akpabio and Bello before the matter was discontinued.

The withdrawn charge is one of two criminal cases filed by the Federal Government against the senator. The second case, also initiated by federal authorities, is scheduled for hearing on Monday and may similarly be discontinued.

Both prosecutions were brought by the Federal Government, independent of any direct action by the complainants.