News
BREAKING: Court drops FG’s criminal charges against Sen. Natasha
An Abuja High Court has dismissed the criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, bringing a high-profile legal case to a close.
Court documents revealed that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to formally strike out the criminal defamation and related charges previously brought against the senator.
The case, which had drawn significant national attention, arose from remarks allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview.
The prosecution of the matter had generated sustained debate around freedom of expression, political accountability and the limits of prosecutorial powers in a democratic setting.
The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end.
Presiding over the matter on Thursday, Justice C. N. Oji acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the case.
In his remarks, the judge noted that the development underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers.
“The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” he said.
Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the charges in open court.
“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system,” he said.
Reacting after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her position.
“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” she said, while thanking her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the proceedings.
The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with several civil society organisations and rights groups previously condemning the case as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement
Follow Us on Google Discover
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Gombe 2027: PDP aspirant withdraws court case, backs Pantami
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
5.0-magnitude quake rocks Southeastern Turkey
8 Public assets named after Tinubu since becoming president (Full List)
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s son bags degree in UK
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
FG renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Tinubu
Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders
Bauchi 2027: APC picks ex-Bala Mohammed campaign DG Faruk Mustapha as Deputy Gov candidate
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
BREAKING: Andy Burnham confirmed as UK Labour leader
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court dismisses suit seeking INEC recognition of Turaki-led PDP interim NWC
It’s too early to judge Tinubu’s gov’t, Nigerians must be patient – Jide Kosoko
