Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has issued a stern warning to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, over his reported petition to the Inspector General of Police against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and incitement.
Femi Falana condemned the move, describing it as an inappropriate use of state power and a dangerous attempt to criminalize civil matters. He stressed that the petition — which calls for the prosecution of the senator representing Kogi Central over her remarks at a recent political rally — could undermine Nigeria’s democratic values and infringe on the constitutional right to free speech.
The Controversy
Akpabio, in his petition to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making false and defamatory allegations, particularly claims of an assassination plot allegedly linked to the Senate President. According to Akpabio, the comments were “entirely false, unfounded, and politically motivated,” and constituted “criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.”
However, legal experts and civil society voices are pushing back. Leading the charge is Falana, who has consistently defended civil liberties and constitutional freedoms throughout his career. In a statement released on Friday, Falana reminded public office holders that democracy thrives on open criticism and accountability — not suppression.
Citing the landmark 1985 Court of Appeal ruling in Arthur Nwankwo v. The State, Femi Falana emphasized that Nigerian courts have long ruled against using criminal charges to settle issues of defamation. He referenced the words of late Justice Olajide Olatawura, who underscored that laws inherited from colonial rulers should not be used to suppress citizens’ rights in a democratic society.
“The decision of the founding fathers of this present Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech — including the freedom to criticise — should be praised,” Falana said. “Any attempt to derogate from it, except as provided by the Constitution, must be resisted. Those in public office should not be intolerant of criticism.”
He urged Akpabio to seek legal redress through civil litigation under the law of libel, rather than inviting police intervention in what he described as a personal political dispute.
Falana’s comments are gaining support from legal observers and pro-democracy advocates who warn that turning the police into a tool for political revenge sets a dangerous precedent. Analysts note that involving law enforcement in partisan disagreements can erode public trust in institutions and escalate political tensions.
“This is not just about Natasha Akpoti or Akpabio,” said political analyst Dr. Akin Onifade. “It’s about whether we want to uphold democratic norms or weaponize state institutions to silence dissent.”
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in politically motivated arrests and harassment of critics, journalists, and activists. Legal practitioners say this trend contradicts the democratic principles Nigeria professes to uphold, especially as the country navigates complex political and security challenges.
While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to issue a detailed statement, her media aides confirmed that she stands by her remarks and is prepared to defend her position legally. Her supporters argue that Akpabio’s petition is a desperate attempt to intimidate opposition voices within the National Assembly.
Human rights groups have called on the police to remain impartial and resist being dragged into political conflicts that have no bearing on criminal justice.
Falana reiterated his call for public institutions to maintain their independence and resist external pressure from political elites. He reminded the police that their constitutional duty is to protect all Nigerians, not to be used as instruments of vengeance.
“If Senator Akpabio believes his reputation has been unjustly damaged, he has the right to sue for defamation in a competent court,” Falana noted. “But dragging the police into this sets a very dangerous precedent. Political leaders must learn to tolerate dissent and respond within the bounds of the law.”
As Nigeria’s political space continues to heat up, Falana’s intervention serves as a crucial reminder of the role of law and order in a democracy. With tensions rising in the National Assembly, many are watching closely to see how the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant institutions will respond — and whether constitutional rights will be upheld over political expediency.