Senator Natasha Stands Her Ground: Vows to Pursue Harassment Case Against Akpabio in Court

 

Photo: credited to The Punch

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing her legal case accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. She made this clear in a formal response, dated April 30, addressed to Akpabio’s lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba, in Abuja.

According to the report obtained from The Punch, Agbakoba had earlier questioned what he called “serious inconsistencies” in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims and demanded a public retraction, describing the allegations as unfounded and false. In his initial letter dated April 14, 2025, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria expressed frustration over the senator’s failure to address these inconsistencies.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her allegations are truthful and that her claims of harassment remain valid. She criticized Akpabio’s legal team for requesting additional proof outside of what’s already submitted in court. She pointed out that the issue is currently before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, under case number CV/816/25, which was initiated by Akpabio’s wife, Unoma.

She emphasized that any further comment on the matter should be left for the court to handle, arguing that only the judiciary has the authority to rule on the case. The senator also took issue with the way Akpabio’s lawyer was seeking evidence, suggesting it reflected a limited understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment under international standards.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that any necessary details would be provided during the court’s disclosure process and warned against bypassing legal procedures, saying it could undermine the principles of the rule of law.

She also criticized what she sees as an attempt by Akpabio, via his legal team, to pressure her through the media while avoiding proper scrutiny within the Senate, where he holds a powerful position. She stressed that a litigant shouldn’t seek to influence public opinion while simultaneously participating in formal court proceedings.

“The integrity of the legal process must be preserved,” she concluded, emphasizing that the courts, not the press, are the proper venue for resolving the issue.