Judge Chizoba Orji struck out the three-count charge after the prosecution filed a notice of discontinuance. During the session, West Idahosa, counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, requested that the court formally discontinue the case and release all documents related to the defendant and her sureties. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

As a result, the case was cleared, and the court discharged the defendant’s sureties and ordered that their documents be returned to them.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was first arraigned in June 2025 on charges of criminal defamation, with the federal government as the complainant. The charge, filed on May 16, 2025, in suit number CR/297/25, named Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as nominal complainants.

The allegation was that Akpoti-Uduaghan made imputations that could harm the reputation of a person, under section 391 of the Penal Code.

Reacting to the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her position. “Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” she said.

In related commentary, several voices have urged accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals. One viewpoint emphasizes that abuse of trust and exploitation, especially of minors, must be confronted directly. Advocates argue that society should focus on protecting children and holding predators accountable, rather than shifting blame onto victims.