Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has struck out the defamation case brought against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following a discontinuance by the Federal Government.
The ruling came on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after the prosecution, led by lawyer Aderonke Imana, applied to discontinue the case.
The senator’s counsel, West Idahosa, then requested the court to strike out the matter entirely, urging the return of all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties.
Justice Orji granted the request, discharging the sureties and ordering all documents returned.
The Federal Government had filed the suit in May 2025, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory statements on live television.
The allegations included claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had plotted to assassinate her.
The government alleged that the senator made imputations “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of a person,” citing Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code, CAP 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
In her TV interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan had stated that she feared for her life after her security was allegedly withdrawn, claiming that attempts on her life were planned in Kogi State.
The court’s ruling now clears her of these charges, bringing the matter to a close.
