Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the six-count charge filed against her by the Federal Government, describing the case as politically motivated and an abuse of prosecutorial power.
In a motion filed through her legal team, the lawmaker contended that the charges were a calculated attempt to stifle her political voice and shield powerful interests from scrutiny.
She argued that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) acted in violation of Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that prosecutions must serve the public interest and uphold the integrity of the justice system.
“This case does not advance justice; it represents an abuse of process and a misuse of public resources,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated in her supporting affidavit.
Filed on May 22, 2025, the motion described the case as “tainted by politics,” alleging it stems from long-standing rivalries and her consistent advocacy for accountability in governance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that the statements forming the basis of the charges were made in the course of legitimate public debate and grounded in facts already reported by multiple media outlets.
“My comments were based on information available in the public domain. This prosecution seeks to silence me and discourage open discourse,” she said.
She further noted that the publications referenced in her remarks remain unchallenged in court, reinforcing her position that her comments were rooted in transparency, not malice.
“As legislators, our duty is to speak truth to power. Using the law to intimidate critics threatens both democracy and justice,” she added.
The senator asked the court to strike out the case, insisting that its continuation would amount to a miscarriage of justice and abuse of legal process.
The matter has been slated for hearing at a later date.
