Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing a sexual harassment case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to its legal conclusion.
In a letter dated April 30 and addressed to Akpabio’s lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her allegations are truthful and substantiated. This followed a letter from Agbakoba, who had earlier described her claims as “clearly false and unsubstantiated” and demanded a retraction, citing what he called “significant inconsistencies” in her allegations.
Responding, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the demand, arguing that her petition reflects the true events and criticizing the request for further evidence outside the ongoing legal proceedings in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The matter is already the subject of suit No. CV/816/25, filed by Akpabio’s wife, Unoma.
She emphasized that any further evidence would be disclosed in accordance with court procedures and under judicial supervision.
“The evaluation of evidence is solely the court’s responsibility,” she stated, adding that Agbakoba’s demands reflect a misunderstanding of what constitutes sexual harassment under international standards. She accused Akpabio of trying to downplay the seriousness of the issue and of attempting to manipulate public perception.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also criticized Akpabio for allegedly running a media campaign through his legal counsel while avoiding scrutiny within the Senate due to his position.
“A litigant cannot pursue justice in court while simultaneously seeking validation through the media,” she argued. “Parallel adjudication undermines judicial integrity and the separation of powers.”