SENATOR NATASHA FIGHTS DEFAMATION CHARGES, ACCUSES FG OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has launched a strong legal challenge against the Federal Government over the criminal defamation charges filed against her, describing the case as political persecution and evidence of double standards.

In a preliminary objection filed on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan asked both the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to dismiss the six-count charge brought against her by the Attorney General of the Federation. The charges stem from complaints by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, over remarks she made at a public gathering and in a television interview.

Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria Prof. Roland Otaru, Dr. E. West-Idahosa, J.J. Usman, and M.J. Numa argued that the prosecution was “unconstitutional, frivolous, and aimed at silencing opposition voices.” They maintained that defamation is a civil matter and that criminalising it undermines free speech and democratic norms.

The Kogi senator alleged selective justice, noting that while the government swiftly acted on Akpabio’s petition, her own complaints of harassment and threats to her life were ignored. She contended that the disparity violated her constitutional rights and amounted to discriminatory prosecution based on her political affiliation.

The charges revolve around her allegation that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her killed a claim prosecutors say is false, malicious, and capable of inciting violence. She has pleaded not guilty and is currently on bail.

Meanwhile, a coalition of women’s rights organisations has escalated the dispute to the United Nations, accusing Senate leadership of gender-based discrimination. In a petition to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the Womanifesto Network representing over 350 groups argued that the Senate’s actions violate Nigeria’s obligations under international conventions.

“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, convener of the group.

The activists urged the UN to pressure Nigeria’s government to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan in compliance with a July 4 Federal High Court ruling, and to order an impartial investigation into her harassment claims.

Signatories to the petition include Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, WIMBIZ, and Stand to End Rape Initiative.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, has been adjourned to October 20 for further hearing.