The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially terminated its legal action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was facing trial for alleged criminal defamation and cyberbullying. This development brings a significant close to a case that had sparked national conversations about freedom of speech and the safety of public figures.
Formal Notice of Discontinuance Filed
According to official court records, the government's decision was communicated through a Notice of Discontinuance dated December 12, 2025. The case, which was being heard in court, has now been formally dropped, lifting the legal burden from the senator representing Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly.
The charges originated from statements Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made during a live television interview. In her remarks, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of being part of a conspiracy to assassinate her. Following the broadcast, both Akpabio and Bello submitted petitions to law enforcement agencies, which led to the filing of the criminal charges against the lawmaker.
Background of the Case and Key Witnesses
Prior to the charges being filed, Akpoti-Uduaghan had taken her security concerns to the highest police authority. She disclosed that she had formally written to the Inspector-General of Police to report threats against her life. Instead of investigating her petition, the authorities proceeded to arraign her in court, accusing her of defamation and online harassment for making the allegations public.
The prosecution had prepared a list of prominent individuals to testify as witnesses. The planned witnesses included:
- Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo
- Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo
- Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri
A Broader Context of Reconciliation
This withdrawal aligns with a recent public move towards reconciliation by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. At the start of 2026, during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio announced he was directing his lawyers to withdraw all defamation lawsuits he had filed against several individuals. He stated he had nearly nine such cases and was inspired by a sermon from the parish priest, Very Rev. Father Donatus Udoette, to reconsider his legal actions.
While the Attorney-General's office has not publicly explained the reason for discontinuing the case against Akpoti-Uduaghan, legal analysts suggest the action highlights the broad discretionary powers of that office. This decision is seen as potentially reducing tensions surrounding the application of criminal defamation laws against politicians and other prominent Nigerians.
With the discontinuance of this case, the legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have conclusively ended. The resolution marks the finale of a controversy that had reignited debates on critical issues like whistleblowing, the personal security of lawmakers, and the boundaries of free speech in the country's democracy.
