Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Monday launched a fierce legal challenge against the Federal Government, describing the criminal defamation charges filed against her as “a brazen act of political persecution and an exhibition of double standard.”
In a preliminary objection seeking the dismissal of the six-count charge brought by the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Kogi Central lawmaker argued that while the government acted swiftly on petitions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it ignored her own earlier complaints against him.
The case, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, stems from petitions by Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello over comments she allegedly made during a public gathering and a TV interview.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who pleaded not guilty when arraigned on June 20, was granted bail on self-recognition. Her lawyers, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, insisted the charges were “unconstitutional, frivolous, and designed to intimidate opposition voices.”
They further argued that defamation matters are civil in nature and that criminalising them amounts to “intimidation, suppression of free speech, and misuse of the justice system.”
The senator also accused authorities of selective justice, stressing that her petitions over threats to her life were ignored while charges against her were hastily pursued. “This disparity represents discriminatory prosecution because of my opposition political affiliation,” she contended.
The charges centre on her claim that Akpabio allegedly instructed Bello to have her killed in Kogi State—remarks prosecutors say were false and capable of inciting violence.
The matter was adjourned to October 20 after her counsel raised fresh objections.
Meanwhile, the Womanifesto Network—a coalition of over 350 women’s rights groups—has petitioned the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, accusing the Senate of gender-based discrimination against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“This is about the integrity of our democracy. If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” asked the group’s convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.
The petition, signed by Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, WIMBIZ, and others, warned that the Senate’s refusal to reinstate her despite a court ruling sends “a dangerous signal to women in politics.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of harassment in February, a claim he strongly denies. Days later, she was suspended by the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee. On July 4, a Federal High Court declared the suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement, but the Senate has blocked her return, insisting the judgment is still under litigation.
