Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has launched a blistering attack on the criminal cases filed against her by the Federal Government, branding them a deliberate misuse of state power, even as she praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing the rule of law to take its course.
The Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday formally struck out the two criminal cases after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed Notices of Discontinuance, bringing an abrupt end to a prosecution that had stirred intense national controversy.
The cases—anchored on allegations of criminal defamation and related offences arising from comments the senator allegedly made during a televised interview—had from inception drawn sharp criticism from senior lawyers and civil society groups, who warned that the prosecutions signalled a dangerous slide toward the criminalisation of political speech.
Reacting to the court decisions, Akpoti-Uduaghan left no room for ambiguity, insisting the charges were never about justice.
“This was a malicious attempt by certain individuals to weaponise the justice system and silence me,” she said, adding that the withdrawal of the cases had finally exposed the true motive behind the prosecutions.
However, in a striking contrast, the Kogi Central senator reserved praise for President Tinubu, whom she credited with ensuring that due process ultimately prevailed.
“I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his wisdom and commitment to justice,” she said. “His leadership created the environment in which these cases could be discontinued in line with the rule of law.”
The dual message—condemnation of alleged internal abuse and commendation of executive restraint—has been interpreted by political analysts as a carefully calibrated response that separates the actions of overzealous actors from the posture of the presidency.
Court records show that the Notices of Discontinuance were filed on December 12, 2025, well before the courts formally struck out the matters, countering speculation that the withdrawals were linked to any external or religious influence.
Civil society organisations, including democracy and human rights groups, welcomed the development, describing it as a victory for free expression, judicial independence, and democratic accountability.
With the legal chapter now closed, observers say the case may leave a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape—reviving calls for prosecutorial restraint and reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a crucial bulwark against the misuse of state power.
Natasha Blows Hot Over “Malicious” Prosecution, Salutes Tinubu as Courts End FG Cases
