A human rights lawyer and public affairs commentator, Chief Frank Agbedo, FIMC, has strongly condemned the criminal charges filed by the federal government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the move as a “disturbing precedent” and a direct assault on democratic freedoms.
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Writing from Lagos, Agbedo expressed shock over the charges, which come shortly after the senator submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police alleging an attempted assassination plot against her. The plot, she claims, was orchestrated by high-profile political figures, including the former governor of Kogi State and the current President of the Senate.
According to Agbedo, the government’s decision to charge Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—who had come forward as a complainant—sends a chilling message to Nigerians and poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and whistleblower protection.
“By filing charges against her, the federal government appears to be sending a chilling message: that those who challenge the status quo or expose wrongdoing may themselves become targets of legal retribution,” he warned.
He criticized the weaponization of the criminal justice system against individuals seeking accountability, noting that this trend undermines both public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law.
Agbedo emphasized that the charges, believed to be related to criminal defamation, contradict established legal principles and rulings that discourage the criminalization of speech, particularly in cases involving public figures. He cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee freedom of expression.
“A charge of criminal defamation creates a negative effect on free speech by deterring citizens from expressing opinions or criticisms, especially regarding public officials and matters of public interest,” he noted.
Agbedo stressed that aggrieved parties have the option of seeking redress through civil litigation, a route that allows for compensation and fair hearing without infringing on constitutional rights.
Quoting Justice Olajide Olatawura in the landmark case of Nwankwo v The State (1985), Agbedo said:
“Those in public office should not be intolerant of criticism. Where a writer exceeds the bounds, there should be a resort to the law of libel where the plaintiff must of necessity put his character and reputation in issue.”
He called on the federal government to withdraw the criminal charges, warning that the continued pursuit of the case could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s legal system and embolden attempts to silence dissent.
“This is not just an attack on one individual; it is an assault on the very principles of democracy and justice that our nation claims to uphold,” Agbedo asserted.
He urged Nigerians, civil society, and the legal community to stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and all individuals who risk their safety to expose corruption and defend human rights.
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