ActionAid Nigeria has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s criminal defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the move as an abuse of state power and a threat to democratic accountability.
In a statement issued by Country Director Andrew Mamedu, the organization expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to prosecute the senator following her public claims about threats to her safety and alleged political interference.
“It is a gross misuse of state power for the Federal Government to expend financial and institutional resources on criminally prosecuting a citizen who has raised serious allegations against controversial political figures,” Mamedu said. “Instead of investigating her claims, the state is choosing to silence her.”
ActionAid noted that the charges reflect a troubling trend of shrinking civic space, selective justice, and the use of discredited laws—such as criminal defamation—to shield powerful individuals from public scrutiny.
Mamedu criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s silence on the matter, calling it “an abdication of moral and constitutional responsibility,” and warned that the government’s handling of the case could set a dangerous precedent.
“This case is especially disturbing as it undermines years of advocacy for women’s political participation,” the statement read. “While a female senator faces criminal prosecution, individuals like Yahaya Bello—who is facing serious corruption charges—are being shielded and even positioned as prosecution witnesses against her.”
ActionAid emphasized that the Federal Government should not be involved in what it called a private matter. “If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments are considered defamatory, it is up to Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to seek civil redress—not the Federal Government,” Mamedu added.
The group demanded:
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An immediate halt to the criminal defamation proceedings,
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An independent and transparent investigation into the senator’s allegations, and
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A public reaffirmation from President Tinubu of his administration’s commitment to democratic principles and the protection of dissent.
ActionAid also called on the media, judiciary, and international partners—including the AU, ECOWAS, UN, EU, and diplomatic missions—to publicly condemn what it described as a misuse of state power.
“We urge Nigerian citizens to raise their voices,” the statement concluded. “Silence in the face of injustice only emboldens repression, and the cost of inaction will be paid by everyone who dares to speak truth to power.”
