By Olayiwola Mercy
The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, after Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed his lawyers to drop all defamation lawsuits against her and others. This decision brings an end to a high-profile prosecution that attracted nationwide attention and stirred intense political debate .
The withdrawal of the case is in accordance with Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and the inherent powers of the court. The Notice of Discontinuance was signed on behalf of the Attorney-General by officials of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation and certified by the court.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been charged with criminal defamation and cyber-bullying over comments she made during a televised interview, alleging plans to eliminate her. The case was filed following petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello
Akpabio had filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court. However, he later announced the withdrawal of all defamation lawsuits against her and others, citing a sermon by a priest that moved him to reconsider his actions .
The withdrawal of the case marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. It remains to be seen how this will affect their relationship and the broader political landscape.
