Human Rights Group Berates  AGF Fagbemi  Over Frivolous Charges Against Senator Natasha

Human Rights Group Berates  AGF Fagbemi  Over Frivolous Charges Against Senator Natasha

….it’s a  Shameful Abuse of Power

By Emmanuel Onwubiko

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent criminal defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi describing the move as “a politically motivated abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and suppresses legitimate dissent.”

In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the prominent rights group expressed grave concern over the suit filed by the AGF at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, describing the action as a direct assault on freedom of expression and the rule of law. The federal government, through the office of the AGF, had slammed a three-count charge against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over her April 3 comments on Channels Television, which allegedly defamed Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The suit, marked CR/297/25, relies on Section 391 of the Penal Code, which deals with defamation. However, HURIWA described the invocation of the archaic provision as “legally repugnant, ethically indefensible, and constitutionally abhorrent.” According to HURIWA, the charge seeks to criminalize political speech and silence a bold female voice in opposition politics.

“This travesty of justice and misuse of prosecutorial power by the Attorney General is not just disgraceful—it is illegal and unconstitutional,” HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated. “It is deeply worrisome that while the Attorney General and the Presidency kept deafening silence when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged sexual harassment and intimidation within the corridors of power, they have suddenly found their voice to prosecute her for daring to speak up.”

Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which states, “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power,” was cited by HURIWA as the constitutional basis against such brazen impunity.

“This government is in violation of Section 15(5) of the Constitution. Rather than abolishing abuse of power, the AGF has become the face of it. Charging a sitting senator for mere political commentary is an egregious abuse of prosecutorial discretion and a grotesque miscarriage of justice,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA also questioned the timing and intention of the lawsuit. “This action reeks of vendetta, desperation, and political suppression. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being targeted not because she told lies, but because she dared to tell uncomfortable truths about those in power,” the rights group declared.

“The list of prosecution witnesses—Senate President Akpabio, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and others closely aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC)—further reinforces the partisan nature of the prosecution. What we are seeing is not justice, but a political witch-hunt orchestrated from the highest levels of government,” HURIWA stated.

The group recalled that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senator and outspoken critic of the APC-led federal government, has previously raised damning allegations against key actors in the corridors of power, including corruption, state-sponsored intimidation, and sexual harassment—none of which have been investigated by relevant authorities.

“It is a shameful irony that the AGF and the Presidency did not see fit to investigate her sexual harassment claims or protect her rights as a whistleblower. Instead, they chose to intimidate her with the blunt instrument of the law. This is state-sponsored bullying,” HURIWA added.

HURIWA called on civil society organizations, the international community, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and all lovers of democracy to rise in defense of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensure that she is not cowed into silence or forced to recant her allegations.

“We must not allow this descent into authoritarianism to go unchallenged. If Senator Natasha is silenced today, every citizen who dares to speak out against the government will be a target tomorrow. Democracy dies when truth becomes a crime,” the group said.

HURIWA also reminded the AGF that his office is not a political tool of vengeance, but a public institution tasked with upholding justice impartially. “The AGF’s actions have brought shame to the legal profession and disgrace to the federal executive. He has desecrated the Constitution and dishonored his oath of office.”

The rights group further warned that continued misuse of prosecutorial powers could erode public trust in the justice system and embolden future acts of authoritarianism. “This administration should remember that history is watching. Repression never lasts, and those who abuse power today will one day answer to the court of public opinion and posterity,” HURIWA concluded.

The group reaffirmed its full solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and pledged to mobilize Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to defend her right to freedom of expression and fair hearing.

“Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not alone. The people stand with her. And together, we will ensure that no voice is silenced under this democracy.”

*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko writes from Abuja