Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused the Nigerian Federal Government of practicing selective justice after a criminal suit was filed against her over alleged defamatory remarks made during a live television appearance.
The Federal Government, in a suit marked CR/297/25 and filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on May 16, 2025, charged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan with making statements that could harm another person’s reputation, citing Section 391 of the Penal Code. The alleged offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
In response, Senator Natasha’s legal team, led by Uju Nwoduwu, released a statement highlighting that the senator had submitted twelve petitions to law enforcement agencies between March and May 2025. These petitions reportedly cover grave allegations such as cyberstalking, threats to life, defamation, and even an assassination plot. According to her lawyers, none of these petitions have been acknowledged or acted upon by the Nigeria Police Force or any relevant security agency.
The legal team expressed concern that while Senator Natasha’s complaints have been ignored, counter-allegations from those she petitioned including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello have been processed swiftly by the authorities. They described this as a clear case of biased enforcement of justice.
Some of the senator’s petitions reportedly detail the abduction and attempted assassination of a protocol officer and other threats allegedly linked to high-profile individuals. Natasha, who is currently out of the country on personal engagements, has received official communication regarding the criminal charges against her.
Her legal team thanked members of the public for condemning what they called an “extremely curious criminal charge” and expressed hope that the injustice against her would not be allowed to stand.