The Federal Government has officially dropped the criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which has been a source of significant political controversy. The decision marks the end of a high-profile prosecution that generated national debate.
Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, confirmed the withdrawal in a phone conversation on Sunday. The case stemmed from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of defamation and cyberbullying due to remarks made during a televised interview on Channels TV’s “Politics Today.”
During the interview, she suggested there were plans to eliminate her. Eyiboh stated that Akpabio’s directive to withdraw all defamation cases was inclusive, emphasizing, “He didn’t say ‘except Natasha.’”
On Thursday, Akpabio indicated his lawyers had been instructed to withdraw all defamation suits he initiated, citing a priest’s counsel during a New Year Mass as influential in his decision.
The withdrawal notice was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation in the Federal High Court in Abuja, effectively terminating the charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The notice, certified by the Department of Public Prosecutions, referenced relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The case was recorded under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, with the notice stating, “The Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation intends to discontinue proceedings in this matter.”
