Federal Court Strikes Out Criminal Charges Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following the formal withdrawal of the case by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The Notice of Discontinuance, submitted by the AGF, prompted the court to terminate proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, which included allegations of criminal defamation stemming from comments the senator allegedly made during a televised interview.

Justice C. N. Oji, in his ruling, acknowledged the withdrawal and struck out the charges, noting that the decision highlights the need for restraint and caution in the exercise of prosecutorial powers. “The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for healing and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” he said.

Counsel for the federal government confirmed in open court that the withdrawal aligns with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and is “taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.”

Reacting to the development, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a vindication of her position. “I have been vindicated. Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal proceedings.

The case, which drew national attention, had sparked widespread debate on free speech, political accountability, and the limits of prosecutorial authority in Nigeria. Several civil society organisations had previously criticised the prosecution as an attempt to stifle democratic engagement.

The striking out of the charges effectively ends months of legal controversy and reinforces the principles of justice, democratic freedoms, and the protection of political expression in Nigeria.