The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prosecuting suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on charges of criminal defamation. The civil rights group described the case as a violation of free speech and a serious threat to democratic values in Nigeria.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represented Kogi Central Senatorial District, is currently facing a three-count criminal charge at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja.
The case, filed under charge number CR/297/25, accuses her of falsely claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to assassinate her. The Federal Government maintains that her statements were baseless, malicious, and intended to defame the political figures.
She was formally arraigned before the court and subsequently granted bail by Justice Chizoba Orji on Wednesday, June 19, 2025. In her ruling, Justice Orji held that the prosecution had not provided sufficient justification to deny the defendant bail. The court noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan had demonstrated a clear readiness to appear for trial and answer to the charges brought against her.
As part of the bail conditions, the court set the bond at ₦50 million and required the senator to present one surety of reputable standing. The surety must own verifiable landed property within Abuja, and their identity and ownership must be acceptable to the court.
Reacting to the development, SERAP issued a statement demanding an immediate end to the legal action against the embattled senator. The organization condemned the charges, asserting that no one should be prosecuted for peacefully expressing their opinions.
“The Tinubu administration must immediately drop the criminal defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” SERAP said. “She is currently facing charges at the FCT High Court in Maitama for allegedly making defamatory remarks against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during a live television interview.”
SERAP warned that the trial makes a mockery of Nigeria’s justice system and undermines the constitutional right to free expression. “This case strikes a grave blow to freedom of expression and the rule of law in Nigeria. Criminal defamation laws are inconsistent with Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the organization stated.
Citing international legal frameworks, SERAP reminded Nigerian authorities of their obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—both of which Nigeria is a party to.
“The authorities should be protecting, not suppressing, citizens’ rights to speak freely. We call on the National Assembly to urgently take steps to decriminalize defamation in Nigeria and ensure that such oppressive legal actions are no longer weaponized against dissenting voices,” the statement concluded.