SERAP urges President Tinubu to drop alleged politically driven defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing democratic principles

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]aximum support Natasha defamation case has become a rallying cry for human rights defenders after the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged President Bola Tinubu to halt what it described as a politically motivated legal action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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The call followed a decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which on Monday refused a request from government prosecutors to issue a bench warrant against the senator.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has frequently accused political elites of targeting her due to her outspokenness on corruption and insecurity, is facing defamation charges reportedly linked to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

SERAP, through its official X handle, appealed directly to the president, referencing his Democracy Day speech where he pledged to protect civil liberties and uphold the rule of law.

The organisation said the ongoing case contradicts that commitment and undermines democratic ideals.

“Following his expressed commitment on June 12, we call on President Bola 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 posted.

At the court hearing, prosecuting counsel Mr D.D. Kasue informed the bench that the charge had been delivered to the senator’s lawyer that same morning.

However, he added that the senator had not appeared in court. He urged the judge to issue a bench warrant. The court declined the request and adjourned the matter instead.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who previously served as senator for Kogi Central before her suspension, has often alleged that elements within the federal and state governments have tried to silence her through intimidation and legal pressure.

Her critics suggest that the charges form part of a broader effort to suppress voices calling for transparency and reform.

Human rights advocates argue that the case is emblematic of a troubling trend where the legal system is used to punish dissent and discourage whistleblowing.

They say this tactic undermines democratic institutions and weakens public trust in judicial fairness.

So far, President Tinubu has not responded to SERAP’s demand. However, political analysts believe his decision on the matter could become a defining moment for his administration’s credibility on issues of justice and civil rights.

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As scrutiny intensifies, the president may face growing internal and international pressure to align his actions with the democratic promises made just days earlier.