News

FG Withdraws Criminal Charges Against Natasha Akpoti

ByHafsoh Isiaq

PublishedJanuary 4, 2026

The federal government has withdrawn the criminal charge against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central.

The notice of discontinuance was filed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 between the federal government and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The document, dated December 12, 2025, was brought pursuant to sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

“The Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation intends to discontinue proceeding in this matter,” the notice reads.

The notice was signed by M.B. Abubakar, director of public prosecutions of the federation, and Aderonke Imana, the assistant chief state counsel.

The filing was made on behalf of Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Court records show that the notice was received and endorsed by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on December 15, 2025.

The document was subsequently certified as a true copy by the registry of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on December 18, 2025.

On Thursday, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate president, said he had directed his lawyers to withdraw all court cases he instituted against individuals over alleged defamation.

In December 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation suit at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Abuja against Akpoti-Uduaghan, over sexual harassment allegations made against him.

Hafsoh Isiaq

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.