Victor EzejaThe Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the criminal defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
In a statement released on Sunday, HURIWA described the AGF’s action as “a politically motivated abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and suppresses legitimate dissent.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe human rights group expressed grave concern over the suit filed by the AGF at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, warning that the action is a direct assault on freedom of expression and the rule of law.
Prime Business Africa reports that the Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, filed a three-count charge against the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her April 3 comments on Channels Television, which allegedly defamed Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suit, marked CR/297/25, relies on Section 391 of the Penal Code, which deals with defamation.
Reacting to this, HURIWA in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the legal provision being relied on by the AGF to prosecute Natasha is “archaic”.
It added that the action is “legally repugnant, ethically indefensible, and constitutionally abhorrent.”
According to HURIWA, the charge seeks to criminalize political speech and silence a bold female voice in opposition politics.
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“This travesty of justice and misuse of prosecutorial power by the Attorney General is not just disgraceful—it is illegal and unconstitutional,” HURIWA stated.
“It is deeply worrisome that while the Attorney General and the Presidency kept deafening silence when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged sexual harassment and intimidation within the corridors of power, they have suddenly found their voice to prosecute her for daring to speak up.”
Countering the AGF’s move which it described as “brazen impunity”, HURIWA cited Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which states that, “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“This government is in violation of Section 15(5) of the Constitution. Rather than abolishing abuse of power, the AGF has become the face of it. Charging a sitting senator for mere political commentary is an egregious abuse of prosecutorial discretion and a grotesque miscarriage of justice,” it further stated.
The human rights group also questioned the timing and intention of the lawsuit. “This action reeks of vendetta, desperation, and political suppression. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being targeted not because she told lies, but because she dared to tell uncomfortable truths about those in power,” the rights group stated.
“The list of prosecution witnesses—Senate President Akpabio, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and others closely aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC)—further reinforces the partisan nature of the prosecution. What we are seeing is not justice, but a political witch-hunt orchestrated from the highest levels of government,” HURIWA stated.
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It would be recalled that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had previously raised allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Subsequently, during her homecoming at her Senatorial district in March, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that there was a plot to assassinate her. She accused Akpabio and and former Kogi State Governor, Yaya Bello of being behind it.
HURIWA criticised the Federal Government for failing to see the need to investigate the embattled senator’s sexual harassment claims.
“It is a shameful irony that the AGF and the Presidency did not see fit to investigate her sexual harassment claims or protect her rights as a whistleblower. Instead, they chose to intimidate her with the blunt instrument of the law. This is state-sponsored bullying,” HURIWA added.
It called on civil society organisations, the international community, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and all lovers of democracy to rise in defence of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensure that she is not cowed into silence or forced to recant her allegations.
“We must not allow this descent into authoritarianism to go unchallenged. If Senator Natasha is silenced today, every citizen who dares to speak out against the government will be a target tomorrow. Democracy dies when truth becomes a crime,” the group said.
It also reminded the AGF that his office is not a political tool of vengeance, but a public institution tasked with upholding justice impartially. “The AGF’s actions have brought shame to the legal profession and disgrace to the federal executive. He has desecrated the Constitution and dishonored his oath of office.”
The rights group further warned that continued misuse of prosecutorial powers could erode public trust in the justice system and embolden future acts of authoritarianism.
It urged the current administration to guard against abuse of power and repression of dissenting voices, adding that those who engage in such will be judged by posterity.
The group reaffirmed its full solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and pledged to mobilize Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to defend her right to freedom of expression and fair hearing.
“Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not alone. The people stand with her. And together, we will ensure that no voice is silenced under this democracy.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
