Federal Government Drops Charges Against Senator Natasha

In a swift turn of legal events that has reverberated through the political landscape of Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Government has officially withdrawn its criminal defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, saw the case against her collapsed on Thursday at the High Court of the FCT, marking a significant victory for the outspoken legislator and a moment of reflection for the nation’s prosecutorial authorities.

The dismissal followed a formal notice of discontinuance filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. This move effectively ended the proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, which had been lingering since late 2025. For Akpoti-Uduaghan, the court’s decision was not merely a procedural win but a total vindication of her long-held stance that the charges were an overreach and an attempt to stifle political dissent.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the ruling, the Senator beamed with a sense of relief and renewed purpose. She stated that the outcome reaffirmed her unwavering belief in the independence of the Nigerian judiciary and the sanctity of the rule of law. According to her, the legal battle served as a testament to the resilience required to defend democratic rights in a complex political environment.

The charges originated from comments the Senator allegedly made during a televised interview, which the government initially categorized as criminal defamation. The case had quickly become a focal point for civil society groups and legal analysts, sparking a heated national debate over the boundaries of freedom of expression and the accountability of elected officials. Critics had often argued that using criminal law to address alleged defamation by political figures could set a dangerous precedent for free speech.

The notice of discontinuance, which was reportedly signed in December 2025 but executed in open court this Thursday, was brought under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Counsel for the Federal Government informed the court that the decision was taken in the broader interest of justice and to maintain public confidence in the legal system. This strategic retreat by the Attorney-General’s office suggests a move toward de-escalating political tensions.

Justice C. N. Oji, who presided over the matter, did not let the moment pass without a stern observation from the bench. While acknowledging the government’s right to withdraw the case, the judge noted that the development highlighted a critical need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers. Justice Oji expressed hope that the striking out of the charges would pave the way for a period of “healing and respect” within the country’s democratic process.

The judge’s remarks resonated with many in the courtroom, serving as a subtle reminder that the machinery of justice should not be deployed lightly. By striking out the matter, the court has effectively cleared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s record of these specific allegations, allowing her to refocus her attention on her legislative duties. The Senator was quick to express her gratitude to her legal team, whom she described as tireless defenders of truth.

Furthermore, she extended her thanks to her constituents in Kogi Central and her supporters nationwide. She noted that their steadfast backing throughout the legal ordeal provided her with the strength to remain focused. For her supporters, the dismissal is seen as a validation of her leadership style, which has often been characterized by bold challenges to the status quo.

The withdrawal of the suit also raises questions about the government’s future approach to similar cases involving high-profile political figures. Analysts suggest that the Office of the Attorney-General may be adopting a more cautious “public interest” filter before pursuing criminal charges for statements made in the heat of political discourse. This shift could be seen as a victory for those advocating for a more robust protection of free speech in Nigeria.

In the aftermath of the ruling, the Senator’s camp has been in a celebratory mood, though Akpoti-Uduaghan herself emphasized that the focus must now return to governance. She reiterated her commitment to serving the people of Kogi Central, promising that the legal distraction would not diminish her efforts to advocate for the democratic rights of all Nigerians.

The “Natasha case,” as it became known in legal circles, will likely be cited in future discussions regarding the intersection of criminal law and political communication. It serves as a reminder of the tension that often exists between state power and individual expression in a burgeoning democracy. For now, the files on suit FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 are closed, leaving the Senator free to continue her journey in the upper legislative chamber.

As the political cycle in Nigeria continues to evolve toward the next major milestones, the resolution of this case removes a significant obstacle for one of the most visible women in Nigerian politics. The message from the FCT High Court was clear: while the state has the power to prosecute, the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of when that power has been exercised in the true interest of the people.