Judge Rejects Prosecutor’s Request To Order Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Arrest.
Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the Federal Government to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti, Uduaghan for her absence at an arraignment on charges of cyber-bullying and defamation. The prosecution, led by David Kaswe, alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahya Bello during a 3 April television interview.
The court declined the warrant after learning that the charge was served on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), only that morning, deeming it unfair to expect her presence. Justice Umar approved substituted service through her counsel and adjourned the case to 30 June, allowing the senator time to respond. The decision has been praised by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters as a defense of due process.
The charges stem from a contentious interview where Akpoti-Udu alleged Akpabio claimed she could have secured a Senate seat through illicit means, comments she says were misconstrued. She has also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, filing petitions with the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General. The case has intensified political tensions, with Akpoti-Uduaghan framing the charges as an attempt to silence her advocacy for gender equality.
Public discourse on X is rife with debate, with some users criticizing the prosecution as politically driven, while others argue that public figures must be held accountable for their statements. The case highlights Nigeria’s challenges in balancing free speech with defamation laws, particularly in the era of social media. Analysts note that the outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has vowed to contest the charges, while her supporters rally behind her as a symbol of resistance against political intimidation. As the case progresses, it will likely remain a flashpoint in Nigeria’s political landscape, with broader implications for the Senate’s credibility.
