Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused the Federal Government of political persecution and double standards over the criminal defamation charges filed against her.
In a preliminary objection filed on Monday, the lawmaker asked the courts to dismiss the six-count charge brought by the Attorney General of the Federation, arguing that the case is unconstitutional and amounts to selective justice.
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.
They allege that Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely claimed Akpabio instructed Bello to have her killed, remarks she reportedly made at a public gathering in April and later repeated in a television interview.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who pleaded not guilty when arraigned on June 20, insists the prosecution is politically motivated. She contends that while the government acted swiftly on Akpabio’s complaint, her own petitions against him were ignored.
Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, described the charges as “frivolous, unconstitutional, and designed to intimidate opposition voices.” They argued that defamation is a civil matter and criminalising it undermines free speech and democratic norms.
The senator further alleged that the case violates her constitutional rights under Section 42, amounting to discriminatory prosecution because of her opposition affiliation.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the matter to October 20 following objections raised by her counsel.
Women’s Rights Groups Petition UN
Meanwhile, a coalition of over 350 women’s rights organisations under the Womanifesto Network has petitioned the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, accusing the Senate of gender-based discrimination.
The petition, signed by groups including Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, WIMBIZ, and Stand to End Rape, urged the UN to pressure Nigeria to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan in line with a July 4 Federal High Court ruling that declared her suspension unconstitutional.
“If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” asked Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, convener of the coalition.
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she accused Akpabio of harassment, a claim he strongly denies. Despite the court ruling, the Senate has blocked her return, arguing the judgment is still under litigation.
Civil society groups warn the standoff sends a dangerous signal to women in politics and undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
