Nigerian Govt Withdraws Second Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian government has withdrawn the second criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ending a high-profile legal battle. Filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the charges stemmed from comments she made accusing former officials of plotting against her. The Federal High Court formally struck out the case, highlighting the need for restraint in prosecutorial powers. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan hailed the decision as a vindication of democratic rights and freedom of expression.

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BREAKING: Nigerian Government Withdraws Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Allegations Against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation and cyberbullying case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly. Court documents show that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation filed a notice of discontinuance on December 12, 2025, effectively terminating the prosecution at the Federal High Court.

The charges stemmed from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, following comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview on Politics Today, where she alleged that both men were plotting to eliminate her. Despite earlier petitions to the Inspector General of Police alleging threats to her life, the senator was charged for publicly raising the claims.

Several prominent figures, including Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru, had been listed as witnesses for the complainants. The withdrawn case is one of two criminal matters filed by the Federal Government against the senator, with the second case expected to come up in court and possibly face a similar fate.

The development follows a public announcement by Senate President Akpabio that he had instructed his lawyers to withdraw all defamation-related lawsuits against individuals, after a cleric’s sermon influenced his decision. However, Akpabio still has a separate ₦200 billion civil defamation suit pending against Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, in which he is demanding massive damages and public apologies.

Senate President Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Lawsuits Against Natasha Akpoti, Others After Priest’s Sermon Sparks Change of Heart

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered his lawyers to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits he filed against individuals who accused him of misconduct, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio made the announcement during a church programme, revealing that a sermon delivered by a priest prompted him to reassess his actions and abandon the legal battles.

He disclosed that he had instituted nearly nine court cases against people he accused of lying, slandering his name and defaming his character, but decided to discontinue all of them after reflecting on the message preached in church. Although he did not provide full details of each case, the decision directly affects the high-profile ₦200 billion defamation suit he filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in December 2025.

In that lawsuit, Akpabio accused the Kogi Central lawmaker of making false allegations of sexual harassment, which he claimed damaged his reputation, subjected him to public ridicule and portrayed him as a predator abusing his office. Court documents showed that he sought sweeping remedies, including massive damages, retractions, and nationwide broadcast apologies, as well as the removal of online content linked to the allegations.

The case had already progressed with court approval for substituted service through the Clerk of the National Assembly after attempts to serve Akpoti-Uduaghan directly failed. Akpabio also argued that the allegations, widely circulated across television, radio and social media, caused him severe humiliation and distress.

His sudden decision to discontinue all defamation suits marks a dramatic turnaround in a legal confrontation that had attracted intense public attention, raising fresh political and legal questions about accountability, reconciliation and the use of defamation laws by powerful public officials in Nigeria.

Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Declares 2027 Senate Bid Amid N80 Billion EFCC Fraud Probe

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has officially announced his candidacy for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, despite facing an ongoing EFCC prosecution over alleged N80 billion fraud and money laundering during his tenure. Bello made the declaration at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met traditional rulers, religious leaders, and constituents. His bid places him in direct contest with incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Bello denies all allegations, and his trial is expected to continue into 2026, with bank officials testifying on alleged suspicious transactions linked to his administration.

New Twist as Senate President Akpabio Takes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Battle to Supreme Court After Appeal Court Setback

The legal dispute surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has escalated as Senate President Godswill Akpabio approaches the Supreme Court to challenge a ruling by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. The appellate court had struck out the Federal Government’s brief of argument in the case, describing it as fundamentally defective and incompetent due to multiple procedural violations, including non-compliance with mandatory court rules on formatting, page limits, and filing requirements. Akpabio’s legal team insists the decision breached his right to fair hearing and has asked the apex court to nullify the proceedings and allow the refiling of the appeal. The move has intensified public debate, with legal experts and civil society groups questioning the political undertones of the case and warning against perceived attempts to undermine judicial independence, as the long-running rivalry between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to draw national attention.

BREAKING: Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated the legal battle arising from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, heading to the Supreme Court to challenge a ruling of the Court of Appeal that dealt a major blow to his case.

I’ve Been Approached by Presidency, Lawmakers to Join APC but I Won’t Defect — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Reveals

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has revealed that she has faced repeated pressure from individuals within the Presidency and her colleagues in the National Assembly to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during an interview, the senator said she has firmly rejected the overtures, insisting she has no intention of returning to the APC. She also recounted gender-based challenges and intimidation she has faced in politics, urging women to remain resilient and undeterred in pursuing public office.

Top Political Scandals That Rocked Nigeria in 2025: Uche Nnaji, Akpabio, Sylva, Obasa

The year 2025 was marked by major political controversies involving several high-profile Nigerian politicians, especially within the ruling APC. Former minister Uche Nnaji resigned after allegations of certificate forgery surfaced, though he denied the claims. Senate President Godswill Akpabio faced sexual harassment accusations from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, leading to her suspension before her eventual return. The EFCC declared ex-oil minister Timipre Sylva wanted over alleged diversion of $15 million meant for a refinery project, a claim he disputes. In Lagos, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached over alleged misconduct before political negotiations facilitated his dramatic reinstatement. These scandals shaped Nigeria’s political landscape throughout 2025.

JUST IN: Natasha Akpoti Fires Back — Says Akpabio’s ₦200BN Lawsuit Will Finally Exp0se His Alleged S£xual Harassment

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has dropped a bombshell after receiving a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of s£xual harassment.

In her statement, Natasha said she is relieved the case has finally landed in court — because, according to her, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges refused to hear her earlier complaints, hiding behind the excuse that Akpabio’s wife had already sued her.

She wrote:

“I now have a chance to prove how I was s£xually harassed, and how my refusal to give into his demands unleashed a series of unprovoked attacks on my person. See you in court, Godswill Akpabio.”

With both heavyweights now heading to court, Nigerians are bracing for what could become one of the biggest political scandals of 2025.

Do you think this court battle will finally reveal the truth — or will it be another political drama swept under the carpet?

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Akpabio Files ₦200bn Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of spreading damaging allegations that he sexually harassed her. Filed at the FCT High Court, the suit claims Natasha’s interviews on TV, radio, and online platforms portrayed Akpabio as a predator, causing reputational harm and public ridicule.

Akpabio is demanding retractions, removal of all online content containing the allegations, and apologies broadcast nationwide. The court has also granted his request to serve Senator Natasha through the Clerk of the National Assembly after attempts at personal service failed. The case is set to become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political legal battles.

Senator Natasha Challenges Akpabio, Says She’s Ready to Prove Sexual Harassment Claims in Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has responded to Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s ₦200 billion defamation suit, declaring she is fully prepared for a legal showdown. She says the case finally gives her the opportunity the Senate Ethics Committee allegedly denied her to present evidence of sexual harassment and subsequent attacks she claims followed her refusal to his advances. The suit, filed at the FCT High Court, has been adjourned to January 21, 2026.

“They Feared Political Persecution” — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Opens Up on Colleagues’ Silence During Her Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has revealed that many of her colleagues in the National Assembly refrained from publicly supporting her during her six-month suspension out of fear of political persecution.

Speaking during the commissioning of a new market in Okene, Kogi State, Natasha said that while several senators expressed private solidarity, they avoided public association with her to protect their political standing.

“When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally,” she said.
“Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted. Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”


The lawmaker described her suspension as illegal, arguing that it exposed the fear and intimidation that influence behavior within government institutions.

Recall that Senator Natasha was suspended in March over allegations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but made her return to the Red Chamber in September after serving her six-month suspension.

The family of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje — who died in 2018 after prolonged sexual abuse — has again appealed for justice, calling on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and IGP Kayode Egbetokun to act.

During an interview, Ochanya’s brother John Ameh said the family continues to suffer trauma and has received death threats for pursuing the case. He accused influential individuals of protecting the suspects and criticized police inaction, noting the key suspect has not been arrested seven years later.

Ochanya was allegedly abused by lecturer Andrew Ogbuja and his son Victor. The lecturer was acquitted in 2022 for lack of evidence, while Victor remains at large. Ochanya’s aunt was sentenced to five months for negligence.

The case has sparked renewed public outrage and support online under the hashtag #justiceforchanya, with prominent Nigerians, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, joining calls for justice.

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Extends Olive Branch to Akpabio with Project Commissioning Invitation.

Relations between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio appear to be warming as the Kogi lawmaker has invited Akpabio and other Senators to a project commissioning in her constituency.

The invitation, personally signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, was read by Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary. The event, scheduled for Sunday in Ihima, Kogi State, is part of activities marking her second year in the Senate.

“In marking my second-year anniversary as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow Distinguished Senators to join me for projects commissioning in Kogi State,” the letter stated.

The meeting point is Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street, Ihima, Okene. Senators arriving by air were advised to use the Obajana Airstrip before proceeding to the venue by road.

After reading the letter, Akpabio responded briefly but warmly: “Congratulations in advance.”

The gesture is seen as a step toward reconciliation following their contentious dispute earlier this year over Senate seat reallocation, a conflict that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension on March 6. 

Since returning on September 24, she has gradually resumed active participation in plenary, including contributing to debates such as the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Her latest invitation marks the clearest public sign yet of a renewed working relationship with the Senate leadership.

Senator Natasha violated Penal Code, must face Criminal Charges – FG.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has insisted that the defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were properly instituted in line with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Nigeria and the Constitution.

The AGF’s office stated this in its response to the senator’s preliminary objection to the three-count criminal charge pending before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Chizoba Oji.

The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, stemmed from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, following her public claims that the duo had conspired to assassinate her.

AGF Insists Charges Are Lawful
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office maintained that the decision to prosecute the senator was taken after a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reviewed all petitions from both the complainants and the defendant.

“The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the prosecution stated.

It further argued that the senator’s actions contravened provisions of the law, stressing that the case was filed “in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.”

According to the AGF’s office, the charges were neither politically motivated nor an abuse of prosecutorial power.

“The criminal charge against the defendant arose from the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties involved, by the Nigeria Police Force.”

Drama in Senate as Natasha Confronts Akpabio Over Abortion Debate, Oshiomhole Cites Rule to Stop Her.

There was mild drama during Tuesday’s plenary session in the Nigerian Senate as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio after being denied the chance to speak on the issue of abortion.

Senator Natasha, visibly displeased, pleaded to be heard, saying, “Mr. Senate President, please may I speak. I’m a woman, and abortion has to do with women it’s very important, sir.”

The Senate President responded that the matter had already been stepped down, but he briefly allowed her to add a comment if necessary.
“This has been stepped down in totality, distinguished senator, but if you have anything to add, you can say,” Akpabio stated.

However, former Edo State governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, immediately objected, insisting that parliamentary rules must be respected.

“Mr. President, we’ve been tutored over and over that when a matter has been concluded and you’ve dropped the gavel, if you grant an exception to distinguished Senator Natasha, then you must extend the same extension to us which makes our rule meaningless. The rule should be obeyed. We have said no discussion, and she should obey the rule,” Oshiomhole maintained.

In his final ruling, Akpabio clarified that he did not initially know the nature of Natasha’s intended comment, saying,
“I am not a spirit to know what the senator wants to say. If I knew, I would have referred her to Rule 52, Subsection 6. Since the Senate has come to a conclusion, it shall be out of order.”

He then ruled Senator Natasha out of order, ending the exchange.

“The Flame May Flicker, But It Must Never Die” — Senate President Akpabio Delivers Stirring Independence Message at 65th Anniversary


In a session that beautifully merged celebration with governance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered an emotional address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging unity, resilience, and a renewed sense of national purpose.

Speaking during plenary at the National Assembly, Akpabio congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians on the nation’s milestone, describing independence as a timeless reminder of the sacrifices made by heroes who fought for freedom and self-determination.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, Akpabio described nation-building as an enduring process rather than a one-time event.

“After we hoisted our flag of freedom 65 years ago, we are reminded that the journey of nationhood is not a sprint but a marathon,” he said.
“It is a relay of faith and sacrifice — one generation handing the torch to the next.”


He encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast amid present challenges, adding that “the flame may flicker, but it must never be allowed to die.” Akpabio also drew inspiration from the national anthem, reminding the Senate that “the labors of our heroes past” should continue to guide the country toward justice, peace, and prosperity.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s mixed history of “shadow and sunshine,” Akpabio praised the legislature’s role in sustaining democracy and called on lawmakers to work collectively toward governance that truly serves the people.

The session also featured a symbolic moment — the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after a period of medical recovery. Her presence underscored Akpabio’s message of resilience, continuity, and inclusiveness in national leadership.

The Senate President’s message struck a balance between celebration and reflection, highlighting the importance of perseverance and unity in keeping Nigeria’s democratic flame alive.

Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Returns to The Senate After Serving Six-Month Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, made her return to the Senate on Tuesday at about 11:42 a.m., marking the end of her six-month suspension.

The senator entered the chamber smiling confidently, exchanged greetings with a few colleagues, and settled into her seat. She was accompanied by a group of loyal supporters and activists, including Aisha Yesufu, who observed proceedings from the gallery.

Her return follows a court ruling that described her suspension as excessive. The Senate had earlier reopened her office in compliance with the judgment, days after initially insisting she remained suspended due to pending litigation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption comes amid lingering controversy surrounding her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

National Assembly Tightens Security Near Senate President’s Office Amid Tensions with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

An internal memo dated October 2 and signed by Brig-Gen Etido E. Ekpo (retd) informed lawmakers that security around the Senate Chamber and corridor near the Senate President’s office in Abuja would be tightened. The corridor from the White House lobby will now only be accessible to senators and House members, with aides and personal assistants barred from entry. Lawmakers were asked to notify their staff of the restriction.

This development comes days after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of running the National Assembly like a dictatorship and treating her disrespectfully. Her comments followed her return to office after a six-month suspension, which she described as a test of resilience against injustice.

National Assembly Tightens Security Ahead of Resumption
Photo of Daniel Daniel Daniel.

The National Assembly has announced heightened security measures around key areas of its complex in Abuja ahead of lawmakers’ resumption from their annual recess on October 7.

The new development was made known on Thursday via an internal memo issued by the Office of the Serjeant-at-Arms and addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Services Committee.

According to the communication, access to certain strategic locations, including the Senate Chamber, the main gangway, and the corridor leading past the Senate President’s office, will now be restricted to senators and members of the House of Representatives only.

The memo, dated October 2 and signed by Brigadier-General Etido E. Ekpo (retd), stated that “all aides or personal assistants would not be allowed into the said corridor.” Lawmakers were also advised to communicate the new directive to their aides ahead of the resumption date.

The tightened security comes just days after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, regained access to her office in Room 205 of the Senate wing, six months after it was sealed following her controversial suspension by the Senate leadership. Speaking after security personnel and the Serjeant-at-Arms formally unsealed the office, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the experience as “a test of resilience against injustice.”

Both chambers of the National Assembly had initially adjourned plenary on July 24 until September 23 for their annual two-month recess. However, in a brief statement issued last month, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, announced that the resumption date had been shifted to October 7.