Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has firmly responded to legal icon Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) over her sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that only the courts have the authority to assess the matter.
Agbakoba, a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, had on April 14, 2025, demanded a retraction and evidence from Natasha concerning her December 8, 2023, sexual harassment allegation. But in a reply dated April 30, the senator said no such letter was ever served on her.
“I place it on formal record that no such letters have ever been served upon me. The imputation of recalcitrance is therefore inoperative,” she declared.
Natasha invoked the legal doctrine of lis pendens, highlighting two active court cases. One suit—filed by Akpabio’s wife—is demanding ₦250 billion in damages, while the second—filed by Natasha herself—contests her suspension from the Senate.
She clarified that while the suit she filed (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) is unrelated to the sexual harassment issue, Suit No. CV/816/2025, filed by Akpabio’s spouse, is directly linked to it.
Senator Natasha criticized Agbakoba for contradicting his own earlier stance that the matter was sub judice, accusing him of trying to sway public opinion outside of judicial proceedings.
“A litigant may not approbate in the courts and reprobate in the press,” she said.
She further accused Senate President Akpabio of violating natural justice principles by presiding over Senate proceedings that led to her six-month suspension.
“Nemo judex in causa sua: no one ought to be judge in his own cause,” Natasha emphasized.
Responding to arguments that her previous cordial interactions with Akpabio negate her harassment claim, she stated that “civility should not be mistaken for consent or comfort,” especially in situations involving power imbalance.
The senator also rejected Agbakoba’s authority to demand evidence outside of a courtroom setting.
“A private legal practitioner, however distinguished, is not vested with adjudicatory authority under the Constitution,” she wrote.
Natasha reaffirmed her February 28, 2025, complaint and emphasized that her court filings remain intact. She urged Agbakoba to advise his client on the dangers of overseeing proceedings in which he is personally implicated.
“This letter is issued solely to correct the public record and to prevent a constructive admission being inferred from silence,” she concluded, requesting that all future communication be directed through her legal team.
