Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has launched a lawsuit against the Federal Government over criminal defamation charges, describing the case as a politically-motivated persecution and a display of double standards
Filing preliminary objections before both the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court, the senator’s legal team sought the dismissal of six counts brought against her by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that while the government acted swiftly on complaints by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it ignored her earlier petitions against him.
The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, were based on remarks she allegedly made during a public gathering and a television interview. She was arraigned on June 20, pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail on self-recognition. The case, FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defence, 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—challenged the jurisdiction of the courts and asserted that the AGF lacks locus standi to prosecute what they describe as a private defamation matter. The team argued that the charges are “unconstitutional, frivolous, and designed to intimidate opposition voices,” submitting evidence showing her comments fall within public discourse and media commentary.
Her lawyers stressed that defamation is inherently a civil issue, and criminalising it constitutes an abuse of the criminal justice system, suppresses free speech, and serves as political intimidation. Akpoti-Uduaghan further accused the authorities of selective enforcement, noting that her petitions alleging threats to her life by the complainants were ignored, while charges against her were swiftly filed. She argued that this selective action violates her constitutional rights under Section 42 and amounts to discriminatory prosecution due to her opposition political affiliation.
The charges center on her allegation that Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed in Kogi State, a claim she reportedly made at a public event in Ihima on April 4, 2025, and later reiterated on television. Prosecutors claim the statements were false, malicious, and capable of inciting violence and disturbing public order.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defence team urged the courts to dismiss the case at the preliminary stage, warning that allowing it to proceed would undermine the justice system and waste public resources.
Her legal pushback follows an adjournment by the Federal High Court in Abuja to October 20 after her counsel raised objections.
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This probs is never ending
Wahala