The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has through her legal team accused the federal government of practising selective justice in relation to a defamation suit filed against her.
The federal government instituted the suit in mid-May, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory remarks during a live television broadcast. The case, registered as CR/297/25, was filed before a Federal Capital Territory High Court on 16 May 2025, naming the senator as the sole defendant.
The government’s suit accused the senator of “making imputation, knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” citing section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offence carries punishment under section 392 of the same law.
In a statement signed by Uju Nwoduwu, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, her legal team revealed that between March and May 2025, the senator submitted twelve petitions to security agencies, all of which remain unanswered. These petitions reportedly include serious allegations such as cyberstalking, threats to life, defamation, and an assassination plot.
“These petitions have neither been acknowledged nor acted upon by the Nigeria Police Force or any relevant security agency,” the statement read.
The legal team expressed concern that while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaints “are gathering dust,” counter-allegations made by those she petitioned—including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State—have been processed with undue haste.
“This selective response raises deep concerns about biased enforcement of justice,” the statement added.
Among the petitions are detailed reports of “the abduction and attempted assassination of a protocol officer” and other threats allegedly linked to prominent figures.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently abroad on personal engagements, has received official communication regarding the charges against her. “She remains fully committed to due process,” the statement affirmed.
The legal team also thanked members of the public for their condemnation of what they described as “an extremely curious criminal charge” and expressed hope that “injustices against her shall not be sustained.”
Concluding their statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers reiterated their call for an impartial investigation into all outstanding petitions and urged the authorities to ensure the equal application of the law.
Boluwatife Enome
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