BY JOHN DANJUMA
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the six-count charge brought against her by the Federal Government, describing it as politically motivated and a misuse of prosecutorial powers.
In a motion filed through her legal team, the lawmaker argued that the charges were designed to shield certain influential figures from scrutiny rather than to serve the public interest. She contended that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) acted outside the provisions of Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that prosecution must be guided by the public interest and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.
“This prosecution does not promote justice; it is a clear abuse of process and a waste of public resources,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said in her supporting affidavit.
The motion, filed on May 22, 2025, describes the case as “politically tainted,” alleging that it arose from long-standing rivalries and her outspoken stance on governance and accountability.
According to her, the alleged defamatory statements forming the basis of the charges were not personal attacks but part of her legitimate advocacy on issues of national integrity.
“My comments were made within the bounds of public debate and backed by information already in the public domain. This prosecution is an attempt to silence me and discourage open discourse,” she maintained.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further noted that the publications she referenced in her statements were widely circulated by different media outlets over the years and remain unchallenged in court. She stressed that her reliance on such materials was strictly for public interest commentary and not to defame any individual.
“The role of a legislator is to speak truth to power. Using the law to intimidate critics undermines democracy and justice,” she added.
The senator urged the court to quash the charges, arguing that their continuation would constitute a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of the legal process.
The case has been scheduled for hearing at a later date.