Natasha’s Harassment Claim Against Akpabio Full With Contradiction, Akpabio’s Lawyer 

By Femi Ogundele

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has said that the sexual harassment allegation made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is riddled with contradictions and lacks sufficient evidence.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba said the allegation, as presented, does not meet the legal or global standard required to prove sexual harassment.

He emphasised that while people should be free to speak up, justice must be based on facts and fairness.

Agbakoba, who is also counsel to the Senate President, disclosed that he had written to Akpoti-Uduaghan on Akpabio’s instruction, asking her to clarify what he described as contradictions in her claims.

He said the allegation, which has received widespread local and international media coverage, has damaged Akpabio’s reputation.

“This widespread coverage has damaged our client’s reputation locally and internationally,” he said in the letter.

“We are happy to allow you a reasonable time to clarify the contradictions that we have referred, while our client reserves the right to all legal options.”

He pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that the Senate President sexually harassed her on December 8, 2023, but posted favourable messages about him on social media just a day later, on December 9.

“In these posts, she eulogised the Senate President and spoke highly of the birthday event she attended in Uyo, Akwa Ibom,” Agbakoba said.

“The juxtaposition of these two events which is an alleged traumatic incident followed by public admiration raises significant concerns,” he added.

Agbakoba argued that the tone and timing of her social media posts contradicted her claim of harassment and called for careful review of the timeline.

He also referenced past allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against other public figures, including a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, and an unnamed minister, suggesting a pattern that should not be ignored.

“Sexual harassment is a serious matter that deserves careful and fair consideration,” Agbakoba said.

“But the available public records reveal inconsistencies that must be evaluated for a fair and just conclusion.”

He added that such sensitive issues are better addressed through institutional and legal channels rather than media platforms.

“We believe that proper institutional processes, rather than media forums, provide the appropriate venue for addressing such serious matters,” he said.