Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Accuses Federal Government of Selective Justice Amid Criminal Charges

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the federal government of practising selective justice, following a criminal suit filed against her over alleged defamatory remarks. Through her legal team, the senator representing Kogi Central voiced concerns over what they describe as a troubling double standard in the administration of justice.

The federal government, on May 16, 2025, filed a suit marked CR/297/25 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, naming Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant. The charge alleges that the senator made harmful and defamatory statements during a live television broadcast, actions said to violate Section 391 of the Penal Code. If convicted, she faces punishment under Section 392 of the same law.

In a strongly worded statement signed by her counsel, Uju Nwoduwu, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team claims she submitted twelve separate petitions between March and May 2025, none of which have been acknowledged or investigated by the Nigeria Police Force or any other security agency.

“These petitions include grave allegations such as cyberstalking, threats to life, defamation, and even an assassination plot,” the statement said, adding that one petition detailed the abduction and attempted assassination of a protocol officer allegedly linked to powerful political figures.

The legal team noted with alarm that while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions have been ignored, counter-allegations made by influential individuals she named — including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello — were processed with “unusual speed.”

“This selective response raises deep concerns about biased enforcement of justice,” the statement read, describing the charge against the senator as “an extremely curious criminal charge.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently abroad on personal engagements, has received formal notice of the charges. According to her legal team, she remains “fully committed to due process” and has vowed to defend herself vigorously in court.

The team also expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have publicly condemned the charges and renewed calls for impartial investigations into all pending petitions, urging the authorities to ensure the law is applied without fear or favour.

“This is not just about one person,” the lawyers said. “It’s about the integrity of our justice system and the fundamental principle that no citizen should be above — or beneath the law.”