Two courts in Abuja yesterday struck out the two criminal charges filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Chizoba Orji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory High Court (FCT) was the first to strike out an alleged defamation charge against Akpoti-Uduaghan. This followed an application filed by the prosecution lawyer, Aderonke Imana.

At the mention of the case, Imana informed the court about the notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution and urged the court to strike out the charge.

Responding, the defence lawyer, Ehioje West-Idahosa, did not object but averred the court should also order the release of all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties.

In a brief ruling, Justice Chizoba Orji struck out the charge, discharged the defendants and her sureties.

The judge also ordered that all their documents be returned to them.

The second proceedings on the alleged cybercrime charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja were reportedly conducted in the judge’s chambers.

It was learnt that Justice Mohammed Umar also struck out the charge following the notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution.

The OAGF had charged Akpoti-Uduaghan with criminal defamation at the HIgh Court of the FCT, while a charge of alleged cybercrime was filed against her at the Federal High Court following her claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello planned to kill her.

Although the prosecution did not provide details of what informed the decision to discontinue the cases, it may not be unconnected with Akpabio’s resolution to withdraw all defamation cases filed in his name.

Akpabio recently announced that he had instructed his lawyers to discontinue all defamation cases filed in his name.

The Senate President explained that his decision to withdraw the cases was a deliberate choice rooted in moral authority, faith, and the demands of legislative leadership.

The Senate President said this in a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

The statement reads: “In a political culture where litigation has become an extension of reputation management, this was no minor gesture. Akpabio had been unapologetic about defending his name through the courts.

“The law, in his hands, had been both shield and sword. To voluntarily lay it down is to interrupt a habit of power. The question, therefore, is not whether Akpabio could afford to forgive. It is why he chose to do so.

“This is where forgiveness ceases to be sentimental and becomes political philosophy. The same drive for tangible outcomes has characterised, albeit differently, his tenure as Senate President.”

Akpabio added that managing a Senate comprising 109 senators with competing ambitions requires restraint, credibility, and setting an example, rather than engaging in constant legal battles that could distract from governance.

“The Senate has been unusually productive and notably calm—more than ninety-six bills passed in two years, with over fifty-eight assented to by the President.

“In a chamber once notorious for theatrics, this stability is not accidental. It reflects a leadership style that values restraint over spectacle and consensus over conquest.

“This is why the withdrawal of lawsuits should be read not merely as personal forgiveness but as public modelling. Forgiveness, in this sense, becomes civic pedagogy,” he said.

Also, the Federal High Court of the FCT in Abuja yesterday struck out the criminal charges instituted by the Federal Government against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This followed a formal withdrawal of the case by the OAGF.

Court documents showed that the AGF filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to terminate the criminal defamation and related charges earlier brought against the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The case, which attracted widespread national attention, arose from comments allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview and had sparked intense public debate on freedom of expression, political accountability and the limits of prosecutorial powers.

The notice of discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end.

Delivering his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice C. N. Oji, acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the charges.

He held that the development highlighted the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial authority.

“The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” Justice Oji said.

Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the case in open court, explaining that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance,” the prosecution said. “This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.”

Reacting to the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a vindication of her stance.

“I have been vindicated. Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law,” she said. “I remain committed to serving my constituents and to defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians.”

Akoti-Uduaghan also thanked her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal battle.

The striking out of the charges comes after months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, during which several civil society organisations criticised the prosecution, describing it as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement.

Source; The Nation News