FG discontinues criminal defamation matter against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal Government of Nigeria has discontinued a case filed in Court against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging defamation against the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Senator Natasha represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.

Advertisements

The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in a notice of withdrawal of the case filed in Court, indicated the withdrawal by the Federal Government and urged the Court to terminate the proceedings.

CAPITAL POST recalled that the defamatory case was filed against Senator Natasha by Godswill Akpabio and the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, following the female lawmaker’s allegations on Channels Television on ‘Politics Today’, a programme of the station often featured every Sundays.

Advertisements

Natasha alleged that Akpabio and Yahaya Bello have plotted a plan to eliminate her following altercation with the Senate President.

She went ahead to submit a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and shortly after, she was slammed with defamation case as the accused denied such plot against Natasha.

Listed witnesses in the now-withdrawn case included Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru.

The withdrawal followed Akpabio’s decision change of mind after he had listened to a Church sermon on forgiveness by a Clergy on the need to forgive in the New Year.

Speaking during a New Year’s Day church service, Akpabio said a cleric’s sermon had inspired him to let go of the litigations.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realized he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” he stated.

However, the N200 billion civil lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan was still pending and all indications pointed out that it may be withdrawn, even as the case was billed to be heard on Monday, 11th January, 2026.

Filed in December 2025, the suit accuses Natasha of maliciously claiming that he sexually harassed her.

The Senate President is seeking damages, retractions, and public apologies across major platforms.

Documents from the FCT High Court which was made available to media houses, showed claims that the senator’s statements gravely injured Akpabio’s reputation and subjected him to public disgrace.

Advertisements