An Abuja High Court on Thursday struck out the criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing an end to a closely watched legal battle that had generated widespread public debate.
Court documents showed that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to formally strike out the charges of criminal defamation and other related offences earlier brought against the lawmaker.
The case arose from comments allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview and had drawn intense scrutiny, with many Nigerians debating issues of freedom of expression, political accountability and the proper use of prosecutorial powers in a democracy.
The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, effectively terminated proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025.
Delivering his ruling on Thursday, Justice C. N. Oji acknowledged the withdrawal and struck out the case accordingly. The judge noted that the development highlighted the importance of caution and restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial authority.
