Abuja, Nigeria – The Tinubu administration has been urged to drop a criminal defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who faces charges at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The senator is accused of making defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a live television broadcast.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) condemned the lawsuit, stating it “makes a mockery of justice” and delivers a “grave blow to freedom of expression and the rule of law in Nigeria.” In a statement on X, SERAP called for the immediate dismissal of the charges, arguing that no one should be targeted for peacefully exercising their human rights.
SERAP emphasised that criminal defamation laws are incompatible with Nigeria’s Constitution and the country’s international obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The organisation urged the National Assembly to urgently decriminalise defamation to align with these commitments.
The case has sparked widespread concern, with critics arguing it represents an attempt to stifle dissent and curb free speech. “Nigerian authorities should safeguard, not suppress, freedom of expression,” SERAP stated, calling for an end to the targeting of citizens for their peaceful actions.
As the lawsuit proceeds, pressure is mounting on the Tinubu administration to uphold democratic principles and protect the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
