Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has launched a legal pushback against the Federal Government, describing the criminal defamation charges filed against her as political persecution and proof of double standards. The case, brought under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, was triggered by petitions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi governor Yahaya Bello over remarks she allegedly made in April.

At the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team—led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria—filed preliminary objections, arguing that the Attorney General has no authority to prosecute what they described as a civil matter. They insisted the charges were unconstitutional, frivolous, and aimed at silencing opposition voices. She also accused the government of selective justice, noting that her own petitions against Akpabio were ignored.

The charges stem from her claim at a public event in Ihima and later on television that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her killed. Prosecutors argue the comments were false and dangerous, while her defence says they fall under free speech and political discourse. The case has been adjourned to October 20.

Meanwhile, the row has spilled onto the international stage. A coalition of over 350 women’s rights groups, under the Womanifesto Network, has petitioned the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, accusing Senate leadership of gender-based discrimination. The petition—backed by Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA, WIMBIZ and others—urges Nigeria to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan in line with a July 4 court ruling and to investigate her harassment claims.

Civil society groups warn that the standoff undermines democracy and threatens women’s participation in politics. “If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” asked Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the coalition’s convener.

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