Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing her sexual harassment lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to its legal conclusion, insisting that the matter must be resolved in court rather than in the media.
In a strongly worded letter dated April 30, 2025, and addressed to Akpabio’s counsel, renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her petition represents the factual truth of the alleged events. She stated that she would refrain from further public commentary on the matter, respecting the court’s exclusive authority to adjudicate on the issue.
The senator took exception to Agbakoba’s reported call for her to substantiate the allegations outside of court proceedings, describing the move as a misstep that undermines both legal process and the gravity of sexual harassment as defined under global standards.
“The assessment of evidence belongs to the courts alone,” she wrote. “Your demand in this manner suggests a deeper misconception of what truly constitutes sexual harassment under international protocols. It signals a disturbing attempt to downplay the matter and divert attention from the core issue.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that any further disclosure of evidence would be made in accordance with legal procedures and subject to court direction, cautioning against any efforts to bypass due process.
She also criticized what she described as a “media campaign” allegedly orchestrated by Akpabio through his legal team, accusing him of attempting to sway public opinion while avoiding institutional scrutiny within the Senate.
“It is irreconcilable that your client demands public proof while avoiding proper Senate debate on the issue due to the privileges of his office,” she noted. “A litigant may not approbate in court and reprobate in the press.”
She concluded by stressing the importance of judicial integrity and warning against attempts to subvert the rule of law.
The case, already before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in suit number CV/816/25—instituted by Akpabio’s wife, Unoma—continues to generate national attention.
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