Natasha challenges defamation charges, slams FG for double standards

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday, launched a strong legal offensive against the Federal Government, describing the criminal defamation charges filed against her as a brazen act of political persecution and an exhibition of double standards by the Federal Government.

While the Federal Government was quick to file charges against her based on the complaint of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Kogi senator argued in a preliminary objection seeking the dismissal of the six counts filed against her by the Attorney General of the Federation that the same government disregarded her own prior petitions against Akpabio.

The charges were filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, in response to requests by Akpabio and ex-Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello for remarks she reportedly made during a public address and a television interview.

Her arraignment on June 20 received widespread attention, with many opposition figures claiming that the prosecution was politically motivated.

She was granted a self-recognition bond after pleading not guilty.

The case, FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by Mohammed Abubakar, the Federation’s Director of Public Prosecution.

On Monday, Natasha filed preliminary objections before both the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court, challenging the courts’ jurisdiction and insisting that the Attorney-General of the Federation lacks locus standi to prosecute what she described as a private defamation case.

Her defense team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), Dr. E. West-Idahosa (SAN), J.J. Usman (SAN), and M.J. Numa (SAN), maintained that the allegations were “unconstitutional, frivolous, and designed to intimidate opposition voices.”

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The defense also presented documents demonstrating that her comments fell within the scope of public conversation and media commentary, emphasizing that charging her statements as crimes was contrary to democratic standards.

Her lawyers maintained that “defamation matters are inherently civil in nature and that attempting to criminalize them constitutes intimidation, suppresses free speech, and represents a misuse of the criminal justice system.”

Natasha also accused the authorities of selective justice, claiming that while her pleas regarding threats to her life by the complainants were ignored, the same institutions quickly brought charges against her.

She claims that the disparity violates her constitutional rights, “particularly Section 42, and represents discriminatory prosecution because of my opposition political affiliation.”

The accusations revolve around her claim that Akpabio ordered Bello’s assassination in Kogi State, which she allegedly uttered during a public gathering in Ihima on April 4, 2025, and later reiterated in a television appearance.

Prosecutors claim the remarks were false, malicious, and might incite violence, harm lives, and disrupt public order.

Her defense team has requested the courts to dismiss the allegations at the preliminary stage, claiming that allowing the case to progress would not only squander taxpayer funds but also erode the justice system’s legitimacy.

Her harsh reaction came only hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja delayed the case to October 20, citing an objection submitted by her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN).

Meanwhile, a coalition of women’s rights organizations has pushed the dispute between Natasha and the Senate to the United Nations, alleging Senate leadership of gender discrimination.

The Womanifesto Network, which represents over 350 organizations, filed a formal complaint with UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, on Monday, claiming that the Senate’s actions violate Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which the country ratified in 1985.

“This is about the integrity of our democracy. If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” asked the group’s convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.

The complaint requests that the UN put pressure on Nigeria’s government and Senate to quickly reinstate Natasha in accordance with a Federal High Court order, as well as to conduct an impartial inquiry into her harassment claims.

The petition’s signatories include Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), and Stand to End Rape.

The activists cautioned that the Senate’s unwillingness to follow the court ruling sends a harmful message to women 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 states.

As of press time, the UN Special Rapporteur has yet to comment.

Natasha went public on February 20 with charges that Akpabio harassed her, which Akpabio has fiercely denied. Days later, the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended a six-month suspension, alleging violations of parliamentary procedures.

Civil society groups were outraged by the suspension, which stripped her of her salary, security, and access to the chamber, calling it vindictive and unjust.

On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the suspension illegal and ordered her reinstatement.

However, the Senate has rejected her return, claiming that the judgment contained no binding reinstatement order and is still “under litigation.”

Natasha challenges defamation charges, slams FG for double standards