Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Legal Team Raises Alarm Over Selective Justice Amid Criminal Charges
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives have publicly expressed deep concerns about what they describe as an alarming case of selective justice by the Federal Government. This comes after the government initiated criminal proceedings against the senator, while apparently ignoring several critical petitions she had submitted earlier in the year. These petitions, which raise serious allegations of cyberstalking, defamation, threats to life, and even an assassination attempt, remain unaddressed by law enforcement and security agencies.
Background: Multiple Petitions Filed, No Response Received
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Uju Nwoduwu, issued a detailed statement highlighting that between March and May 2025, the senator filed at least twelve formal complaints. These complaints were directed at the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies tasked with protecting citizens and upholding justice. The allegations are grave and involve multiple forms of intimidation and threats that pose significant risks not only to the senator but also to the democratic process and rule of law in Nigeria.
The petitions include accusations of cyberstalking, a modern and pervasive form of harassment conducted via digital means; defamation, which harms reputation and undermines public confidence; threats to life, raising safety concerns that demand immediate attention; and an alleged attempted assassination targeting a protocol officer closely associated with the senator. Despite the severity of these claims, the statement reveals a concerning silence from authorities.
Statement from the Legal Team: Demand for Fairness and Due Process
The legal team emphasized the fundamental expectation Nigerians hold for their justice system. Their statement reads:
“There is a legitimate public expectation that law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies uphold the principles of fairness, due process, and equal justice—regardless of who is involved.”
This powerful assertion underscores a core principle of democratic governance and rule of law — that no individual or group should be above the law, and that justice must be applied evenly and transparently. The lawyers are essentially calling out what they see as a disturbing double standard in how justice is administered in this case.
Concerns Over Biased and Uneven Application of Justice
Further amplifying their concerns, the legal team pointed out a troubling disparity in how authorities have acted on various allegations. While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions remain unattended and ignored, counter-allegations made by individuals she has accused—some of whom are powerful political figures—have been treated with urgency and resulted in criminal charges against the senator herself.
In the statement, the lawyers said:
“While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions remain unattended, counter-allegations by individuals she accused—including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, have been acted upon swiftly, culminating in criminal charges against the senator.”
This quote points directly to a perceived imbalance in how the justice system is prioritizing cases, suggesting political interference or bias. The fact that senior political figures named in her petitions appear to receive favorable treatment fuels the perception of selective justice, undermining public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
The Gravity of the Allegations
The seriousness of the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot be overstated. The petitions include an attempt to abduct and assassinate a protocol officer, an act that, if proven true, represents a grave security breach and a threat to personal safety and public order. Such crimes should typically prompt swift, transparent investigations and decisive action to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.
By contrast, the lack of any response to these petitions from the Nigeria Police Force or other security bodies raises troubling questions about the government’s commitment to protecting the senator and ensuring justice. It also casts doubt on whether political influence is impeding the due process of law.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Current Status and Response
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently abroad for personal reasons. However, her legal team confirmed that she has received formal notice regarding the criminal charges filed against her. The senator has expressed her readiness to cooperate fully with the legal process and will make herself available for arraignment once the court schedules a hearing date.
The statement from her legal team assures the public of her commitment to due process:
“She remains resolute in her commitment to due process.”
This declaration not only reaffirms her confidence in the judicial system but also signals her intention to contest the charges through lawful means.
Public Reaction and Calls for Transparency
The legal team also took a moment to thank members of the public who have expressed concern over what they termed as “an extraordinarily questionable criminal charge.” Public scrutiny and demand for transparency in such high-profile cases are essential to maintaining the integrity of the justice system and democratic governance.
Many Nigerians have been following this case closely, aware that it raises broader issues about the impartiality of Nigeria’s justice institutions. Calls for independent investigations and unbiased handling of all petitions related to the case have grown louder, reflecting widespread public demand for accountability.
Why This Matters to Nigerians and Democracy
The unfolding situation involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is more than just a legal dispute; it is a litmus test for Nigeria’s justice system and its commitment to fairness. When justice is perceived to be selective or politically motivated, it erodes citizens’ trust in democratic institutions and undermines social cohesion.
For Nigeria to strengthen its democracy and rule of law, cases like this must be handled transparently, fairly, and swiftly. Authorities must demonstrate that no one is above the law, and that security agencies are impartial protectors of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Conclusion
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team’s call for fairness highlights serious concerns about the state of justice and law enforcement in Nigeria today. With multiple petitions from the senator going unanswered, and criminal charges filed against her in a seemingly rushed manner, the case has become a focal point for discussions on political bias, security, and the rule of law.
As the nation watches closely, it remains crucial that the Nigeria Police Force and judicial bodies act in ways that reinforce public trust through fairness, impartiality, and adherence to due process. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s determination to face the charges and pursue justice through proper legal channels sets a precedent for accountability and resilience in the face of political pressure.
NaijaRush will continue to follow this story and bring you updates on the legal proceedings and developments surrounding this important case.
