September 23, 2025-Published by Cyril
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of political persecution and double standards over the criminal defamation charges filed against her.
The lawmaker, through a preliminary objection on Monday, urged the courts to dismiss the six-count charge brought by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), arguing that the case was unconstitutional and targeted at silencing opposition voices.
Background of the Case
The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, stem from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, over remarks Natasha allegedly made in a public speech and a television interview.
She was arraigned on June 20, 2025, pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail on self-recognition. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.
Natasha’s Defence
Her legal team—led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Prof. Roland Otaru, Dr. E. West-Idahosa, J.J. Usman, and M.J. Numa—maintains that the charges are frivolous, unconstitutional, and an abuse of the criminal justice system.
They argued that:
- Defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal one.
- The prosecution suppresses free speech and undermines democracy.
- The AGF lacks the locus standi to prosecute what is essentially a private dispute.
Natasha also accused the FG of selective justice, noting that while Akpabio’s complaints were swiftly acted upon, her own petitions over alleged threats to her life were ignored.
Women’s Groups Take Case to UN
Meanwhile, the standoff has attracted global attention. A coalition of over 350 women’s rights organisations, under the Womanifesto Network, has petitioned the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem.
The coalition—including Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, WIMBIZ, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, and Stand to End Rape—accused the Senate of gender-based discrimination and demanded Natasha’s immediate reinstatement following a July 4 Federal High Court ruling that declared her suspension unconstitutional.
Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, convener of the network, stated:
- “This is about the integrity of our democracy. If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?”
The Bigger Picture
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s troubles began after she alleged on February 20 that Senate President Akpabio harassed her, claims he has denied. Days later, she was suspended for six months by the Senate’s Ethics Committee, losing access to salary, security, and the chamber.
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Despite the court ruling in her favour, the Senate has refused to reinstate her, arguing that the matter remains “under litigation.”
As the legal and political battle continues, observers warn that the outcome of Natasha’s case could set a precedent for freedom of speech, women’s rights, and opposition politics in Nigeria.
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