Suspended Kogi Central lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has pushed back against the criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government, even as more than 350 women’s rights organisations petitioned the United Nations, alleging systemic retaliation against her in the Senate.
On Monday, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) filed two criminal suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan—one under the Penal Code before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, and another under the Cybercrimes Act at the Federal High Court. The charges stem from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.
Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Roland Otaru, Ehiogie Idahosa, J.J. Usman and M.J. Numa—raised preliminary objections, insisting the cases are unconstitutional and designed to silence her. They argued that:
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The AGF exceeded his mandate under Section 174(3) of the Constitution, which restricts prosecution to matters of public interest, justice, and prevention of abuse of process.
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Defamation remains a civil matter, yet public resources are being used to pursue what they described as private disputes.
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The charges were filed without proper investigation, while her own petitions over alleged threats to her life were ignored.
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The prosecution amounts to discriminatory action under Section 42 of the Constitution due to her political affiliation.
Meanwhile, over 350 women’s rights groups under the Womanifesto platform have petitioned UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem.
The petition claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension—following her public accusation of sexual harassment against Akpabio—constitutes gender-based discrimination and retaliation.
In February, the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended her suspension for alleged procedural misconduct, a decision that stripped her of security, allowances, and chamber access.
Although the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on July 4 that the suspension was unconstitutional and overreaching, the Senate has refused to reinstate her, citing ongoing litigation.
Observers note that the combination of her court challenges and the UN petition could set a critical precedent on the boundaries of free speech, gender rights, and political accountability in Nigeria.
