Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has fiercely criticised the Federal Government, labelling the criminal defamation charges against her as a “frivolous” attempt at political silencing.
The suspended lawmaker, representing Kogi Central, accused the government of a clear double standard.
The case, which has attracted significant national attention, stems from remarks Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made about Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello. She pleaded not guilty to the six counts in June.
On Monday, her legal team launched a formal challenge, filing preliminary objections to have the case dismissed. They argued that the government is engaging in “selective justice.” The senator pointed out that while officials acted quickly on a complaint from Mr Akpabio against her, they ignored her own earlier petitions concerning threats to her safety.
Her defence, led by a team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, contended that the charges were “unconstitutional, frivolous, and designed to intimidate opposition voices.” They insisted that the matter is a private defamation case, which is civil by nature, and that the Attorney-General has no legal standing to bring criminal charges for it.
The lawyers stated, “Defamation matters are inherently civil in nature and that attempting to criminalise them constitutes intimidation, suppresses free speech, and represents a misuse of the criminal justice system.” They urged the court to dismiss the case to avoid wasting public funds and undermining the judicial system.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that the prosecution is a violation of her rights and “represents discriminatory prosecution because of my opposition political affiliation.”
The legal battle is set against a wider political conflict. Earlier this year, the senator was suspended for six months by the Senate after she accused Mr Akpabio of harassment. Although a Federal High Court ruled the suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement, the Senate has refused to comply, arguing the judgement is still being contested.
This standoff has now drawn international attention. A coalition of over 350 women’s rights groups, under the Womanifesto Network, has submitted a complaint to the United Nations. They argue that the Senate’s treatment of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is discriminatory and aims to discourage women from participating in politics.
“This is about the integrity of our democracy. If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” said the group’s convener, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.
The UN has been asked to pressure the Nigerian government to reinstate the senator and investigate her claims. With the next court hearing scheduled for 20th October, the case continues to highlight tensions between political power and free speech.
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