Natasha Broke Penal Code in Attacks on Akpabio, Bello – AGF
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of violating sections of Nigeria’s Penal Code through her recent verbal and written attacks on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
According to a statement released from the AGF’s office on Friday, Natasha’s public comments and social media posts allegedly contained defamatory and inciting remarks, which the AGF said amounted to a breach of public order and abuse of privilege as a serving senator.
“No one, no matter how highly placed, is above the law,” the statement read. “The Honourable Attorney-General has directed a thorough review of the senator’s recent public statements against other state actors to determine criminal liability under the Penal Code and other applicable laws.”
The AGF’s office said the investigation would focus on Natasha’s repeated claims that Akpabio and Bello were “suppressing justice and sponsoring political intimidation,” remarks that officials described as false, malicious, and capable of inciting public unrest.
In response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, saying the government was attempting to silence her anti-corruption advocacy.
“Our client merely exercised her constitutional right to free expression in the course of public service,” her lawyer stated. “We are ready to meet the AGF in court and prove that truth is not defamation.”
The controversy has deepened political tension within the National Assembly, with several lawmakers calling for a measured approach to the issue to avoid setting a dangerous precedent against free speech.
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