The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the immediate withdrawal of criminal charges against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In a statement posted on Monday via its official X account, SERAP referenced the President's June 12 commitment, stating: "We call on President Tinubu to promptly direct Nigeria's Attorney General to immediately discontinue the case(s) against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is targeted simply for the peaceful exercise of her human rights."
Court Rejects Arrest Warrant Request
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja declined a request from government prosecutors to issue a bench warrant for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's arrest. During proceedings, prosecution counsel Mr. D.D. Kasue informed the court that although the matter was scheduled for arraignment, the senator failed to appear despite the charge being duly served on her counsel.
The criminal case is believed to have been initiated on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle stems from an altercation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio on February 20, 2025. This incident led to disciplinary attempts by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja struck out two motions filed by Akpabio challenging a Federal High Court judgment that had restrained the Senate Committee from proceeding with disciplinary action against the senator. The motions, dated March 20 and March 25, 2025, sought leave to appeal Justice Obiora Egwuatu's March 10 decision granting an injunction in favor of Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court struck out the motions after Akpabio's legal team filed notices of withdrawal.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her outspoken stance on legislative matters, has described the charges and disciplinary efforts against her as politically motivated.
The case continues to draw attention as it raises questions about political freedoms and the use of legal mechanisms against opposition voices in Nigeria's democratic space.
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