Suspended senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared her readiness to appear in court over criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government, but insists that authorities must equally investigate the serious allegations she has raised against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently abroad on personal engagements, confirmed receiving official notification of the charges, and through her legal team, affirmed her willingness to submit to due process once a trial date is set.
“She remains resolute in her commitment to the rule of law and is prepared to defend herself in court,” said her lawyer, Uju Nwoduwu, in a statement on Wednesday. “However, justice must not be selective. The police must investigate all pending petitions—especially those implicating high-ranking officials like Akpabio and Bello.”
The senator’s legal team raised concerns over what they described as a pattern of selective justice, citing 12 formal petitions filed between March and May 2025. These petitions, they said, include allegations of cyberstalking, defamation, threats to life, sexual harassment, and even attempted assassination—none of which, according to them, has received meaningful attention from the Nigeria Police Force or other security agencies.
In stark contrast, they pointed out, counter-allegations filed by Akpabio and Bello have been promptly acted upon, resulting in criminal charges against their client.
The team described this disparity as a “glaring double standard” and urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure equal application of the law.
The Federal Government’s suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan was filed on May 16 under Section 391 of the Penal Code, accusing her of making defamatory statements during a televised interview.
The charge, which is punishable under Section 392, lists both Akpabio and Bello as prosecution witnesses.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is alleged to have accused the duo of conspiring to assassinate her—a claim she linked to her controversial suspension from the Senate over a seating arrangement dispute.
She further alleged sexual harassment against Akpabio and has since petitioned relevant authorities, demanding full investigations.
“There is a legitimate public expectation that law enforcement uphold fairness and impartiality,” her legal team stated. “Justice must be done, and must be seen to be done—regardless of status or political influence.”
While thanking the public for its support, the senator’s lawyers reiterated her demand that all unresolved petitions be investigated with the same urgency applied to the charges against her.
