The legal battle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Federal Government took a dramatic turn on Monday as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central launched a fierce challenge against the criminal defamation case brought against her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who filed preliminary objections before both the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court, described the charges as “a brazen act of political persecution and double standard” orchestrated to silence her.
The six-count charge, instituted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, was filed by the Attorney General of the Federation following petitions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello. The case stems from remarks the senator allegedly made during a public event and a television interview.
Her arraignment on June 20 had already sparked nationwide attention, with opposition voices insisting that the prosecution smacks of political vendetta.
In her defence, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that the Attorney General lacked the legal standing to pursue what she termed a “private defamation matter.” She further accused the government of selective justice, pointing out that while her alleged infractions drew swift prosecution, her own petitions against Akpabio were ignored.
“The Federal Government was quick to act on Akpabio’s complaint, but when it came to my petitions against him, nothing was done. This is nothing but double standard,” the senator maintained in her filings.
