By Peterside Rejoice Eneky
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has launched a sweeping legal counteroffensive against the Federal Government over criminal defamation charges brought against her, labeling the move as “a brazen act of political persecution and double standards.”
In a preliminary objection filed Monday before both the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the senator challenged the six-count charge brought against her under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, describing it as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, stems from public remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 4, 2025, during a gathering in Ihima and a subsequent television interview. She had alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to have her assassinated—a statement prosecutors argue was false, inflammatory, and capable of inciting violence.
The charges were filed following separate petitions by Akpabio and Bello. However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that her own earlier petitions against both men were ignored by the same authorities, accusing the Attorney-General of the Federation of selective prosecution.
“The government was quick to act on the complaints of the Senate President but has consistently refused to investigate my petitions. This is not justice. This is politics,” she said in a statement issued through her legal team.
Her defence, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Prof. Roland Otaru, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, J.J. Usman, and M.J. Numa—argued that the Attorney-General lacks the legal standing to prosecute what they described as a “private defamation matter.”
“This case is unconstitutional, frivolous, and a clear attempt to intimidate opposition voices. Defamation is inherently a civil matter. Criminalising it is a misuse of the justice system,” the lawyers submitted in court.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 20 and pleaded not guilty. She was granted bail on self-recognition. The Federal High Court in Abuja has since adjourned the matter to October 20, following legal objections from her counsel.
In a parallel development, a coalition of over 350 women’s rights organisations under the Womanifesto Network has petitioned the United Nations, accusing the Nigerian Senate of gender-based discrimination against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a formal complaint submitted Monday to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the group urged global intervention, citing Nigeria’s obligations under the 1985 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“This is about the integrity of our democracy. If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” said Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the coalition’s convener.
The complaint followed months of escalating tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership. In February, she publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment allegations he has strenuously denied. The Senate later suspended her for six months over what it termed breaches of parliamentary procedure, stripping her of salary, security, and chamber access.
In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement. Yet the Senate has refused to comply, claiming the ruling is still under legal contest.
Signatories to the UN petition include Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, WIMBIZ, and Stand to End Rape. The groups warn that the Senate’s actions may set a dangerous precedent for women’s participation in politics.
“This case shows that sexual harassment in politics isn’t just a personal violation—it’s a threat to women’s participation in governance,” the petition stated.
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