Natasha Challenges FG, Accuses Akpabio Of Political Witch Hunt
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that a fierce legal battle is underway in Abuja, where Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan is taking on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello—accusing them of weaponizing state power to silence dissent.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), has filed two criminal defamation suits against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. One case, grounded in the Penal Code, is before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; the other, under the Cybercrimes Act, is before the Federal High Court. Both cases stem from the same set of alleged statements made by the Senator.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan has mounted a strong legal defense, led by a formidable team of four Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), filing Preliminary Objections in both courts and urging an outright dismissal of the charges.
Her legal team contends that the AGF exceeded the constitutional boundaries of his authority under Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates him to act in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.
“This prosecution serves no public good,” the defence argued in court filings. “It merely shields the personal reputations of two powerful politicians using taxpayers’ funds.”
The defence submitted editorials and past media coverage of Akpabio and Bello, asserting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks were part of legitimate political discourse—not criminal defamation. They also warned that prosecuting political speech under criminal law could set a dangerous precedent for democratic engagement.
According to the defence, no formal investigation was conducted before the charges were filed, despite the Senator having earlier petitioned authorities over alleged threats to her life by the same complainants—petitions which were reportedly ignored.
Citing Section 42 of the Constitution, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the AGF and the complainants—both prominent members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—of selective prosecution rooted in political bias. She argued that her opposition stance is being criminalized in a clear act of political intimidation.
Describing the charges as “frivolous, politically motivated, and a waste of public resources,” her lawyers urged both courts to dismiss the suits in their entirety.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for free speech, political rivalry, and the scope of prosecutorial discretion in Nigeria’s increasingly polarized political environment.
Counsel on Record: Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN; Dr. E. West-Idahosa, SAN; J.J. Usman, SAN; and M.J. Numa, SAN.
