News

Natasha Decries Selective Prosecution Over Ignored Petitions

ByHafsoh Isiaq

PublishedMay 28, 2025

The legal team of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a troubling case of selective justice, following the Federal Government’s decision to press criminal charges against the lawmaker while leaving her multiple petitions unresolved.

In a statement issued Wednesday by her counsel, Uju Nwoduwu, the team revealed that between March and May 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed no fewer than twelve petitions with Nigerian law enforcement authorities.

These petitions reportedly detail grave allegations including cyberstalking, defamation, threats to life, and an alleged assassination attempt.

Despite the severity of the claims, the legal team lamented that none of these complaints have been acted upon by the Nigeria Police Force or any relevant security agency.

“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,” the statement said.

The lawyers further expressed concern that while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions remain unattended, counter-allegations filed by those she accused—including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello—have been swiftly pursued, leading to criminal charges against her.

“This glaring disparity raises serious concerns about a biased and uneven application of justice,” the statement continued.

Some of the petitions, they added, involve high-ranking officials and incidents as grave as the abduction and attempted assassination of a protocol officer.

Though currently abroad on personal engagements, Akpoti-Uduaghan has acknowledged receipt of official communication regarding the charges and has pledged to make herself available for arraignment as soon as a date is set.

“She remains resolute in her commitment to due process,” the legal team affirmed, while also thanking members of the public who have voiced concern over what they called “an extraordinarily questionable criminal charge.”

The statement concluded with a renewed appeal for impartial investigations into all outstanding petitions and a call for justice to be applied equally, without fear or favour.

Hafsoh Isiaq

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.