Court Strikes Out FG’s Criminal Defamation Case Against Natasha
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama has struck out the criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
Justice Chizoba Orji struck out the suit on Thursday following a notice of discontinuance filed by the Federal Government.
At the court session, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, West Idahosa, applied for the matter to be struck out in line with the prosecution’s request to discontinue the case.
He also urged the court to order the release of all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties.
The prosecution counsel did not oppose the application.
Consequently, Justice Orji struck out the case and discharged the sureties.
She further ordered that all documents submitted by the sureties be returned to them.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned in June 2025 on a three-count charge bordering on criminal defamation, with the Federal Government listed as the complainant.
The charges were filed on May 16, 2025, under suit number CR/297/25.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, were listed as nominal complainants in the case.
According to the charge, the senator was accused of making imputations “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.”
The alleged offence is punishable under Section 391 of the Penal Code.
Speaking after the court session, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a vindication of her stance.
“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.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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