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Federal Government drops criminal defamation and cyberbullying case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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Case stemmed from her claims against Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged threats to her life.
- Withdrawal follows Akpabio’s decision to drop lawsuits, inspired by a cleric’s sermon; civil suit remains pending.
The Federal Government has officially withdrawn the criminal defamation case filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly.
The notice of discontinuance, submitted on December 12, 2025, by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, formally informed the Federal High Court of the termination of proceedings.
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The criminal case arose from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, following statements Akpoti-Uduaghan made on Channels TV’s Politics Today, alleging threats to her life by the two politicians.
READ ALSO: Natasha Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Senate Ambition
Despite her submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police over these threats, she was charged instead with criminal defamation and cyberbullying.
Witnesses listed in the now-withdrawn case included Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru.
The withdrawal coincides with Senate President Akpabio publicly announcing his decision to drop all defamation-related lawsuits, citing inspiration from a cleric’s sermon delivered on New Year’s Day.
“I had almost nine cases in court against individuals who defamed me, lied against me, and slandered my name. But when I listened to the priest, I realized he was speaking to me. I have therefore directed my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” Akpabio stated.
However, Akpabio’s ₦200 billion civil defamation suit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed in December 2025 for allegedly making false sexual harassment claims, remains active.
The civil suit seeks damages, public retractions, and apologies across major media platforms, citing harm to his reputation.
