Court dismisses defamation case against Senator Natasha after FG withdraws charges

A court has struck out the defamation suit instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the case.

The matter was dismissed after the prosecution informed the court that it was withdrawing the charges, prompting the judge to strike out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.

Legal Background

The defamation case stemmed from comments allegedly made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in the course of public discourse, which the prosecution claimed were defamatory. The charges were brought under Nigeria’s criminal defamation provisions, a section of the law that has repeatedly drawn criticism from legal experts and civil society groups.

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Several rights organisations have argued that criminal defamation laws are often used to silence dissent and intimidate public office holders and critics, noting that defamation matters should ordinarily be resolved through civil litigation rather than criminal prosecution.

The Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the case was reportedly exercised under its constitutional powers to enter a nolle prosequi, effectively halting further legal action against the senator.

Reactions

Reacting to the development, supporters of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the court’s decision as a vindication, insisting that the case was politically motivated and an attempt to suppress free expression.

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Legal analysts also welcomed the withdrawal, saying it reinforces the need to reform laws that criminalise speech. A human rights lawyer, who spoke anonymously, said the discontinuance “sends a positive signal that the misuse of criminal defamation laws should be discouraged in a democratic society.”

While the Federal Government has not provided detailed reasons for withdrawing the case, the outcome has reignited calls for the outright repeal of criminal defamation laws in Nigeria.

The senator is yet to issue an official statement following the court’s ruling.

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