An Abuja High Court, on Thursday, struck out the criminal charges instituted by the Federal Government against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, effectively bringing to an end a high-profile legal battle that sparked national debate.

Court records showed that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, prompting the court to formally strike out the criminal defamation and related charges that had been earlier preferred against the senator.

The case, which attracted intense public scrutiny, stemmed from comments allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview.

The prosecution of the matter had generated sustained debate around freedom of expression, political accountability, and the limits of prosecutorial powers in a democratic setting.

The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end.

Presiding over the matter on Thursday, Justice C. N. Oji acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the case.

In his remarks, the judge noted that the development underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers.

“The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” he said.

Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the charges in open court.

“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system,” he said.

Reacting after the court session, Senator 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, while thanking her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the proceedings.

The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with several civil society organisations and rights groups previously condemning the case as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement.

The United States announced on Wednesday that it is suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, President Donald Trump’s latest move restricting entry for foreigners seeking to live in America.

A State Department spokesperson said, “The State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries.”

According to a memo seen by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures.

The pause will begin on January 21 and will continue indefinitely until the review is complete.

The full list of affected countries, arranged by continent, is as follows:

Africa (27 countries)
Algeria
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Cote d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Liberia
Libya
Morocco
Nigeria
Republic of the Congo
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Yemen

Asia (22 countries)
Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Burma
Cambodia
Georgia
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Mongolia
Nepal
Pakistan
Syria
Thailand
Uzbekistan

Europe (8 countries)
Albania
Belarus
Bosnia
Kosovo
Macedonia
Moldova
Montenegro
Russia

North America & the Caribbean (13 countries)
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Cuba
Dominica
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

South America (3 countries)
Brazil
Colombia
Uruguay

Oceania (1 country)
Fiji

In total, the United States’ visa suspension affects 75 countries, including 27 in Africa, 22 in Asia, eight in Europe, 13 in North America and the Caribbean, three in South America, and one in Oceania.

The move affects thousands of prospective immigrants and comes amid ongoing debates over the United States’ immigration policies, with officials citing the need to strengthen national security and ensure proper vetting.

Wasiu Ayinde, the veteran Fuji musician, also known as KWAM 1, has petitioned the Ogun State Executive Council to nullify the January 12, 2026, nomination exercise for the Awujale of Ijebuland stool.

The musician alleged that he and other eligible members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house were unlawfully excluded from participating in the exercise.

The petition, submitted through his solicitors and supplementing prior complaints, claimed that at the meeting held at Bisrod Hall in Ijebu-Ode, heavily armed security personnel, including police, restricted entry to only those with special “delegate” cards issued by a faction of the ruling house.

According to the petition, the action imposed an unauthorised delegate system contrary to the direct, inclusive participation required by the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 (Section 16(1)(f)) and the Awujale chieftaincy declaration.

“Our client is an acknowledged and eligible member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and an aspirant to the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebu Land,” the petition reads.

“This petition addresses the grave procedural irregularities and the unlawful exclusion of our client and other legitimate members from the nomination meeting of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House held on January 12, 2026, which actions fundamentally undermine the integrity of the selection process for the revered Awujale stool.”

The controversy follows the July 2025 passing of Sikiru Adetona after a 65-year reign, with the Fusengbuwa ruling house next in rotation to nominate candidates.

A January 6, 2026, letter from the Ijebu-Ode LGA had directed a full statutory meeting within 14 days, without reference to delegates, screening, or nomination forms.

The petitioners argued that this unilateral approach disenfranchised legitimate members and violated constitutional rights to a fair hearing under section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, principles of natural justice, and the Supreme Court.

The petition includes a list of excluded individuals, including Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye, Adeyemo Ridwan Afolohunso Oduneye, M. O. Alatishe, Adetoun Oduneye, Adebambo Oduneye, Ashiru Saheed Orisanmi, Adesanya Johnson Adekunle, Adesanya Adetayo, Tunde Banjo, Orekoya Adekitan, Bolanle Ashiru, Olalekan Olubanjo, Temitope Ashiru, Saidat Ashiru, and Adebola Adesanya.

The petition declared the exercise procedurally defective, null and void, and warned of potential protracted litigation and unrest if uncorrected.