The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of the criminal case filed against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The rights advocacy organization condemned the case as a politically motivated attack on her right to free expression and peaceful participation in democracy.

In a statement posted on Monday through its official X (formerly Twitter) account, SERAP urged the President to demonstrate his recent public commitment to civil liberties by intervening in the matter.

“Following his expressed commitment on June 12, we call on President Tinubu to promptly direct Nigeria’s Attorney General to immediately discontinue the case(s) against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is targeted simply for the peaceful exercise of her human rights,” the group stated.

Criminal Case Seen as Retaliation Backed by Top Politicians

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is currently facing legal action initiated by the federal government, reportedly acting on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Legal experts and civil society groups have widely criticized the move, suggesting it reflects a deepening trend of political actors weaponizing state institutions to suppress opposition voices within the legislative and public space.

Federal High Court Refuses Bench Warrant Request

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an application from federal prosecutors seeking a bench warrant against the senator. During court proceedings, prosecuting counsel Mr. D.D. Kasue informed the court that the case was slated for arraignment, but that the senator had failed to appear despite her legal team being served the charges.

Kasue argued that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was aware of the scheduled hearing and urged the court to issue a bench warrant for her arrest. However, the presiding judge declined the request, signaling judicial reluctance to escalate the situation further.

Court of Appeal Dismisses Akpabio’s Motions

Just last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja struck out two separate motions filed by Senate President Akpabio challenging a Federal High Court ruling in favor of Akpoti-Uduaghan. The appellate court dismissed the motions after Akpabio’s legal team withdrew them voluntarily.

The motions, dated March 20 and March 25, 2025, had sought permission to appeal a March 10 decision that stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting a disciplinary hearing against the senator.

In the earlier ruling, Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted an injunction preventing the Senate from proceeding with any punitive actions against her. This came in response to an ex parte motion filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, following her February 20 confrontation with Akpabio on the Senate floor.

SERAP Decries Escalating Intimidation of Public Officials

SERAP’s call for the case to be dropped aligns with broader concerns about political repression in Nigeria, especially toward lawmakers and public officials who challenge entrenched political figures. The organization insists that prosecuting a senator over a public disagreement and her independent stance is a violation of her fundamental human rights.

The rights body urged President Tinubu to send a clear message that his administration will not tolerate the use of state power to silence opposition voices. They argued that continuing the prosecution would undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and erode the principles of free speech and fair representation.

Mounting Legal Battles and Political Intrigue

The legal challenges facing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan appear to stem from her increasingly strained relationship with influential figures within the political establishment, particularly Akpabio. Her confrontation with the Senate President earlier this year triggered a series of disciplinary threats and now, criminal litigation.

Observers believe these actions could serve as a cautionary tale for other lawmakers who may wish to challenge authority figures or raise dissenting opinions in the National Assembly.

Growing Support for Natasha in Civil Society

Since the controversy erupted, several civil society organizations and political commentators have expressed support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Many see her as a courageous voice fighting entrenched power dynamics in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The chorus of voices calling for an end to her prosecution continues to grow, and with SERAP’s latest appeal to the President, pressure is mounting on the federal government to reconsider its legal stance.