Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Accuses Federal Government of Selective Justice Amid Defamation Charges
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has raised serious concerns over what she describes as “selective justice” by the federal government. This follows the filing of a criminal defamation suit against her, while multiple petitions she submitted alleging cyberstalking, threats to life, defamation, and even an assassination plot remain unacknowledged by relevant authorities.
On May 16, 2025, a criminal defamation charge was filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The charge, marked CR/297/25, alleges that she made statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.” This is grounded in Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, and is punishable under Section 392 of the same code.
Her legal team, led by Uju Nwoduwu, criticized the development, alleging a double standard in the application of justice. “Between March and May 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted twelve petitions covering cyberstalking, threats to life, defamation, and even an assassination plot,” the team stated. “These petitions have neither been acknowledged nor acted upon by the Nigeria Police Force or any relevant security agency.”
Among those mentioned in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s earlier petitions are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Her lawyers allege that some of the complaints include detailed accounts of the “abduction and attempted assassination of a protocol officer,” and other serious threats tied to politically connected individuals.
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Despite the gravity of these allegations, no official response or action has been taken by the authorities. In contrast, the defamation charge against her has proceeded swiftly, raising questions about the impartiality of the justice system.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been embroiled in multiple legal battles in recent months. Notably, she filed a suit against the Senate to restrain the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her over alleged misconduct. The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwatu, granted an interim injunction on March 5, 2025, restraining the committee from proceeding with the investigation.(Channels Television)
However, the Senate proceeded to suspend her for six months on March 6, 2025, despite the court order. The court later lifted the injunction on the Senate’s disciplinary process, allowing the proceedings to continue. The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2025, for further hearing. (Premium Times Nigeria)
In a related development, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a defamation suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking N1.3 billion in damages. The suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on February 25, 2025, alleges that Akpabio made defamatory statements about her, which were published by his aide on social media. The statements allegedly portrayed her as someone who “thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.” (The Guardian Nigeria)
Adding another layer to the legal tussle, Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, filed a separate defamation suit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. She is seeking N250 billion in damages over allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory remarks about her husband during a television interview. Ekaette Akpabio claims that the accusations have caused her and her children “emotional and psychological abuse.” (Vanguard News)
The series of legal battles involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked public debate about the state of justice and political dynamics in Nigeria. Critics argue that the swift action on the defamation charge against her, contrasted with the inaction on her petitions, reflects a biased enforcement of justice. Supporters of the senator have expressed concern over what they perceive as a targeted campaign to silence her.
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcomes of these cases could have significant implications for the political landscape and the perception of justice in the country.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
