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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Monday, filed a preliminary objection seeking the dismissal of criminal defamation charges instituted against her by the Federal Government, describing the case as political persecution and a clear demonstration of double standards.
The six-count charge, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, stemmed from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello over remarks the lawmaker allegedly made at a public rally and during a television interview. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was arraigned on June 20, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition.
In her defence filed before both the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court, the senator argued that the Attorney-General of the Federation lacks the legal authority to prosecute what she described as a private defamation matter. Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, contended that the charges were unconstitutional, frivolous, and aimed at silencing opposition voices.
The defence maintained that her comments constituted legitimate public discourse and that criminalising such statements undermines democratic principles and free speech. They further alleged selective justice, pointing out that her earlier petitions against Akpabio and Bello, concerning threats to her life, were ignored, even as charges against her were expedited.
Prosecutors, however, insist that her allegations, specifically that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her assassinated, were false, malicious, and capable of inciting unrest. The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar. The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings to October 20 to hear the objections raised by her counsel.
The post Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenges Nigerian govt’s defamation case appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
