A High Court in Abuja on Thursday delivered a ruling to strike out the Nigerian government’s criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State at the Senate.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Justice C. N. Oji.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the court struck out FG’s criminal charges against Natasha after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, formally withdrawing the criminal defamation and related charges.
This action effectively ended the high-profile case, which had sparked intense national debate since its inception.
Recall that the criminal charges stemmed from remarks allegedly made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview, leading to accusations of defamation and cyber-related offenses.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, had drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and rights advocates, who viewed it as an attempt to stifle dissent and limit democratic expression.
However, a Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end.
Presiding over the matter on Thursday, Justice C. N. Oji acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the case.
In his remarks, the judge noted that the development underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers.
“The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” he said.
Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the charges in open court.
“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system,” he said.
Reacting after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her position.
“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, while thanking her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the proceedings.
The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with several civil society organisations and rights groups previously condemning the case as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this comes after Natasha has been making headlines over her public spat with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The tension began during a plenary session in July 2024, when Natasha interjected to explain a vote without being formally recognized.
Akpabio rebuked her, saying: ”Distinguished Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We are not in a nightclub.”
The comment sparked nationwide outrage, with women’s rights groups accusing Akpabio of gender bias and misogyny.
Akpabio eventually tendered a public apology, claiming his phone had been “bombarded with insults” and stating he never intended to denigrate women.
The feud reignited months later following a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate.
In a series of interviews, Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. She claimed he made unwelcome advances at his office and residence.
Akpabio and his wife, Unoma, vehemently denied the claims, describing them as a “calculated smear campaign.”
In March 2025, the Senate Ethics Committee recommended a six-month suspension for Natasha. While she claimed it was retaliation for her harassment petition, the Senate maintained she was suspended for “gross misconduct” and “unruly behavior” regarding the seating row.
In December 2025, Akpabio filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Natasha, seeking financial damages and a public apology for the “reputational injury” caused by her sexual harassment allegations.
In a surprising turn at the start of 2026, Akpabio announced the withdrawal of the defamation suit and all pending legal actions against Natasha.
He described the move as a “New Year’s resolution” rooted in “moral authority and faith.”
