FG Makes U-Turn On Criminal Case Against Senator Natasha Over Akpabio Allegations
The Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the criminal defamation case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, according to court documents.
A notice of discontinuance dated December 12, 2025, and filed 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.
Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
The case followed petitions submitted to authorities by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which resulted in criminal charges against the senator. She was arraigned over comments made during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where she alleged that Akpabio and Bello were plotting to eliminate her.
The senator had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police, claiming her life was under threat—an allegation she said received no response. She was subsequently charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying for publicly making the allegations.
Court records showed that Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru were listed as witnesses for Akpabio and Bello in the matter.
The withdrawn charge is one of two criminal cases filed by the Federal Government against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The second case is scheduled to come up in court on Monday and may also be withdrawn.
Notably, both criminal cases were initiated by the Federal Government, not by Akpabio in his personal capacity.
The development comes days after Senate President Akpabio publicly announced his decision to withdraw all court cases he instituted against individuals over alleged defamation. On January 1, Naija News House reported that Akpabio directed his legal team to discontinue all such cases, including those involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio made the announcement during a church programme, stating that a sermon by a cleric prompted him to reconsider his actions.
“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.”
While the Senate President did not specify the identities or status of the cases, previous reports indicated a legal dispute between him and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In December 2025, Akpabio filed a ₦200 billion civil defamation suit against the senator at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, accusing her of making malicious allegations that he sexually harassed her. The suit seeks damages, retractions, and nationwide broadcast apologies, with Akpabio arguing that the claims gravely damaged his reputation and exposed him to public ridicule.
