The Nigerian government has formally charged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she alleged that two prominent politicians—Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello—were plotting her assassination.
In April, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed in a live interview that Akpabio and Bello had discussed plans to “eliminate” her. Both men have strongly denied the allegations. Prior to that, she had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he also refuted.
The Office of the Attorney General has now filed a case with the High Court, stating that her public claims defamed the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello. The charge sheet, obtained by the BBC, cites her statements made during a televised interview on Channels TV.
According to the Attorney General, the remarks from that broadcast could significantly damage the reputations of the two politicians. Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to respond publicly to the defamation charges, and a court date has not been announced.
This case has sparked widespread public interest and debate, highlighting persistent issues surrounding gender representation in Nigerian politics. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four female senators among 109 lawmakers in the Senate.
In February, following her sexual harassment claims against Akpabio, she was suspended from the Senate for six months without pay. The Senate’s ethics committee cited “unruly and disruptive” behavior during legislative proceedings. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters argued that the suspension was retaliatory, stemming from her accusations against the Senate President.
Speaking in March, the senator described the Senate as operating “like a cult” and expressed concern for her personal safety after her official security detail was withdrawn, particularly fearing for her two-year-old child.
