Two Abuja courts have struck out criminal charges brought against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF).
Justice Chizoba Orji of the FCT High Court first dismissed an alleged defamation charge following a notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution.
The judge discharged the senator and her sureties and ordered the return of all documents. Similarly, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out a cybercrime charge against Akpoti-Uduaghan in line with the prosecution’s discontinuance.
The charges stemmed from statements Akpoti-Uduaghan made alleging a plot against her involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
While the prosecution did not provide detailed reasons for discontinuing the cases, it followed Akpabio’s decision to withdraw all defamation lawsuits filed in his name, citing moral authority and leadership responsibility.
Reacting to the court rulings, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her stance and reaffirmed her commitment to serving her constituents. She also thanked her legal team and supporters for their steadfast support throughout the legal process.
Justice C. N. Oji, in delivering the ruling, emphasised that the discontinuance underscores the need for prosecutorial restraint and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic process.
