By Peter Omopo
Abuja, September 23, 2025 — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused the Federal Government of political persecution and double standards over the criminal defamation case filed against her.
In a preliminary objection filed on Monday, the lawmaker urged both the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to dismiss the six-count charge brought by the Attorney General of the Federation. She argued that while her petitions against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were ignored, the government swiftly acted on complaints lodged by Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello against her.
The charges, brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, stem from remarks Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made during a public gathering in Kogi State on April 4 and in a subsequent television interview. Prosecutors claim the comments—alleging that Akpabio instructed Bello to harm her—were false and capable of inciting violence. She has pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition at her June 20 arraignment.
Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, insists the case is unconstitutional, frivolous, and intended to silence opposition voices. “Defamation matters are civil in nature,” the defence argued, “and criminalising them undermines free speech and misuses the justice system.”
The senator also contends the prosecution violates her constitutional rights, describing the case as discriminatory because of her political affiliation. The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, has been adjourned to October 20 following fresh objections from her counsel.
Meanwhile, a coalition of over 350 women’s rights groups under the Womanifesto Network has escalated the dispute to the United Nations. In a petition to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the coalition accused the Senate of gender-based discrimination and urged Nigeria to comply with a court ruling ordering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement.
“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 group’s convener.
The petition—endorsed by Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, WIMBIZ, and Stand to End Rape—warns that the Senate’s continued suspension of the lawmaker undermines women’s participation in politics.
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan in February after she publicly accused Akpabio of harassment, a claim he has denied. Although the Federal High Court ruled her suspension unconstitutional in July, the Senate has so far resisted her reinstatement, citing ongoing litigation.
As of press time, the UN has not formally responded to the petition.
