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Sh*ckwaves As SERAP Rallies Nation Against FG’s Attack On Senator Natasha
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately withdraw the criminal defamation charges brought against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemning the move as an infringement on her fundamental rights.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central and is currently under suspension, is facing a three-count charge of defamation involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
In response to her arraignment on Thursday before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, SERAP issued a strongly worded statement, describing the charges as a blatant attempt to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of expression.
“Authorities must immediately drop these baseless criminal defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and cease the persecution of individuals for peacefully expressing their views,” the statement declared.
The organisation emphasized that prosecuting individuals for their opinions undermines both the rule of law and constitutionally guaranteed freedoms in Nigeria. It argued that the charges contradict Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.
“Criminal defamation laws and related prosecutions are inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional protections and its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” SERAP noted.
The group also called on the National Assembly to repeal all criminal defamation laws, labeling them as outdated and incompatible with democratic values.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Senate in March for six months over alleged misconduct, had accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her—an allegation she reiterated during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Following her court appearance, Justice Christopher Oba granted her bail set at ₦50 million, with one surety who must reside within the Abuja Municipal Area Council and possess landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
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