The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday launched a legal challenge against the Federal Government over the criminal defamation charges filed against her, describing them as “political persecution” and a display of double standards.
In a preliminary objection filed before both the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court, the senator asked for the dismissal of the six counts brought against her by the Attorney-General of the Federation. She argued that while the Federal Government acted swiftly on petitions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, her own earlier petitions against Akpabio were ignored.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, stems from remarks Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made at a public gathering in Ihima on April 4, 2025, and later repeated in a television interview, accusing Akpabio of directing Bello to have her killed. Prosecutors say the claims were false, malicious, and capable of inciting violence.
Her arraignment on June 20 drew widespread attention, with opposition voices calling the charges politically motivated. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition.
Her defence team led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria: Prof. Roland Otaru, Dr. E. West-Idahosa, J.J. Usman, and M.J. Numa argued that defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offence. They described the charges as unconstitutional, frivolous, and intended to silence opposition.
“Defamation matters are inherently civil in nature. Criminalising them amounts to intimidation, suppresses free speech, and misuses the justice system,” her lawyers told the court.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further accused authorities of selective justice, claiming her petitions over threats to her life were dismissed, while the charges against her were expedited. She argued that the disparity amounted to discriminatory prosecution in violation of Section 42 of the Constitution.
The courts are expected to rule on her objections on October 20, following the adjournment of the matter by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the political and legal battle has spilled onto the global stage. A coalition of more than 350 women’s rights groups under the Womanifesto Network has petitioned the United Nations, accusing the Senate leadership of gender-based discrimination against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a formal complaint to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the groups said the Senate’s suspension of the lawmaker violated Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“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 convener of Womanifesto.
The petitioners including Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, WIMBIZ, and Stand to End Rape—demanded her immediate reinstatement in line with a Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 4, which declared her suspension unconstitutional. They also called for an impartial probe into her harassment claims.
The Senate, however, has resisted her return, insisting that the court ruling contained no binding reinstatement order and remains under litigation.
The standoff underscores growing concerns over women’s participation 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 read.
As of press time, the UN Special Rapporteur’s office had yet to issue a response.
