A fierce legal showdown is unfolding in Abuja as Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan squares off against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing them of weaponizing state power to silence her.
The Federal Government, acting through the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), has filed two criminal defamation 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—both stemming from the same alleged statements.
In a dramatic twist, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through a heavyweight team of four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, has lodged Preliminary Objections, asking the courts to dismiss the charges outright.
Her lawyers argue the AGF exceeded his constitutional mandate under Section 174(3) of the Constitution, which compels him to act only in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.
“This prosecution serves no public good,” the filing states. “It merely shields the personal reputations of two powerful politicians using taxpayers’ funds.” The defence tendered editorials and prior media reports about Akpabio and Bello to show that the Senator’s comments were part of legitimate political debate, not criminal defamation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team insisted that defamation should be resolved in civil courts, warning that criminalizing speech is an attempt to intimidate opposition voices.
They also alleged that no investigation preceded the charges, even though their client’s own petitions alleging threats to her life by the complainants were ignored.
Citing Section 42 of the Constitution, the Senator accused the AGF and complainants—both members of the ruling All Progressives Congress—of selective prosecution based on political affiliation, saying her opposition views are being criminalized.
Calling the charges “frivolous, politically motivated, and a waste of public resources,” the defence urged both courts to dismiss the suits.
Legal observers say the outcome could set a precedent on the limits of free speech, political rivalry, and the use of state prosecutorial power in Nigeria’s volatile political climate.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original To Read Full Article
Counsel on Record: Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN; Dr. E. West-Idahosa, SAN; J.J. Usman, SAN; and M.J. Numa, SAN.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
