Breaking: Falana Urges Akpabio to Seek Legal Redress in Court, Not Through Police, Over Natasha’s Allegation
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to pursue a civil libel case in court if he believes Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defamed him, rather than involving the police in what appears to be a politically charged matter.
Falana’s statement comes in response to a petition Akpabio submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged defamatory comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a recent political rally. In the petition, Akpabio accused the Kogi Central Senator of criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to incite public unrest.
Akpabio specifically refuted claims by Akpoti-Uduaghan that he instructed former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to assassinate her. The Senate President described the allegation as a “heinous lie” and a calculated attempt to tarnish his image and provoke political tension.
Reacting to the development, Falana criticized the use of state apparatus to address what he termed a civil dispute. “The Nigeria Police Force should not be drawn into criminalizing a matter that is clearly civil and politically motivated,” he said.
Citing legal precedent, Falana referenced the 1985 Court of Appeal case Arthur Nwankwo v The State, where Justice Olajide Olatawura (JCA) cautioned public officials against using state power to silence critics. According to the late judge, freedom of speech must be protected and any grievances arising from alleged defamation should be addressed through libel suits in court.
Falana emphasized: “Those in public office should not be intolerant of criticism. If a statement crosses legal boundaries, the appropriate course of action is to seek redress through the courts, not by involving law enforcement in what is essentially a civil matter.”
He further urged Senator Akpabio to approach the appropriate High Court to file a libel suit if he feels defamed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements.
Akpabio’s petition, dated April 3, 2025, was also forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). In it, he underscored the damage the accusation has caused to his reputation, especially given its rapid spread across various media platforms.
The Senate President called for urgent investigation and prosecution under applicable laws, asserting that the claims were unfounded, inciting, and designed to manipulate public opinion.
However, Falana’s intervention underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles, particularly the right to freedom of expression and the need to resolve politically sensitive disputes within the legal framework of civil litigation.
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