Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused the Federal Government of pursuing “selective justice” in the criminal defamation case filed against her, describing the charges as politically motivated, unconstitutional, and discriminatory.

Senator Challenges Prosecution

In a preliminary objection filed on Monday at both the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the dismissal of the six-count charge brought by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The case, filed under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024, follows petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over comments she made during a rally in April and in a subsequent TV interview.

Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, argued that:

• Defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offence.

• The prosecution amounts to intimidation of opposition voices.

• The government ignored her petitions against Akpabio, while swiftly acting on petitions against her.

“This represents a violation of my constitutional rights under Section 42, and demonstrates discriminatory prosecution because of my opposition political affiliation,” Natasha said.

Women’s Groups Petition UN

The case has drawn international attention, with over 350 women’s rights groups under the Womanifesto Network petitioning the United Nations.

In their submission to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the groups alleged that the Senate’s actions amount to gender-based discrimination, in violation of Nigeria’s commitments under the CEDAW treaty ratified in 1985.

“If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” asked Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the group’s convener.

The petition also urged the UN to pressure Nigeria to obey an earlier Federal High Court ruling that declared Natasha’s suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement—a directive the Senate has yet to implement.

Court Proceedings

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by Director of Public Prosecutions Mohammed Abubakar.

Natasha, who pleaded not guilty when first arraigned in June and was granted bail on self-recognition, is expected back in court on October 20 when proceedings continue.