FCT High Court Strikes Out Defamation Charges Against Sen Natasha

By Tgnews Reporter

In a significant win for democratic discourse and the rule of law, an FCT High Court has struck out criminal defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district.

The decision follows the federal government’s abrupt withdrawal of the case, highlighting tensions between prosecutorial authority and individual rights.

Justice Chizoba N. Oji presided over the proceedings on Thursday, where she formally dismissed the charges after the prosecution, acting through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), requested their discontinuation.

In her ruling, Justice Oji emphasized the importance of judicial restraint, stating, “The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process.” She further noted that the withdrawal underscored the need for measured exercise of prosecutorial powers to maintain public trust.

The prosecution counsel explained the move as being “in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by West Idahosa, promptly moved for the case to be struck out, a motion that was granted without opposition.

The charges stemmed from comments made by the senator during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.

In the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring with Senate President Godswill Akpabio to assassinate her.

The allegations led to her being charged under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, for criminal defamation.

This was not the only legal battle; a parallel set of charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja was also discontinued by the federal government and subsequently struck out, effectively ending all proceedings against the senator.

Reacting to the verdict outside the courtroom, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described it as a vindication of her stance.

“This ruling affirms my unwavering confidence in the rule of law and serves as a reminder that truth and justice will always prevail,” she said in a statement.

The case had drawn widespread attention, sparking debates on freedom of expression, political vendettas, and the use of defamation laws in Nigeria’s polarized political landscape.