In a major development that has garnered national attention, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has formally struck out all criminal charges against Distinguished Senator Natasha H Akpoti-Uduaghan. This pivotal decision brings an end to a high-profile Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan legal case that had captivated public and media scrutiny for months. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, prompting the court to swiftly act on the matter and close the proceedings.
The charges, which had ignited widespread debate concerning the delicate balance between freedom of expression and political accountability in Nigeria, stemmed from comments allegedly made by the senator during a televised interview. This specific Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan legal case has been closely observed by legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and citizens alike, all keen to understand its implications for democratic discourse.
What is criminal defamation in Nigerian law? Criminal defamation in Nigerian law involves making false statements that harm a person’s reputation, often with intent to injure. It is a serious offense that can lead to legal prosecution, distinct from civil defamation which typically seeks monetary damages for reputational harm.
The formal Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, effectively concluded proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. This resolution of the Senator Natasha Ak
