Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Federal Government of selective justice in the defamation case brought against her, describing the prosecution as politically motivated and unfair.
The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, entered a preliminary objection before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the dismissal of the six-count charge filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
According to her legal team, the Attorney-General of the Federation has no authority to institute the case, since defamation is traditionally a civil matter.
“This is a misuse of state machinery to settle political scores,” one of her lawyers argued in court filings.
The charges stem from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, who accused Natasha of making defamatory remarks during a public forum and on national television.
She, however, maintains that the action taken against her shows a double standard, as her own earlier complaints against Akpabio were never investigated.
“This prosecution is discriminatory. When I raised serious concerns about threats to my safety, nothing was done.
"But once the Senate President and a former governor petitioned, the government moved with unusual speed,” she said after the hearing.
Her defence team, which includes four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, is also challenging the court’s jurisdiction, insisting that the matter does not fall within the scope of criminal law.
The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, has drawn attention to the controversial use of cybercrime legislation in political disputes.
Rights advocates have repeatedly warned that criminal defamation could silence dissenting voices in Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice of the Federal High Court adjourned the matter until October 20 to consider the objections raised by the defence. Meanwhile, Senator Natasha remains on bail pending further proceedings.
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