Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has made it clear that only the courts have the power to decide the sexual harassment allegation she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This statement comes in response to a letter written by respected lawyer and former NBA president, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), who had asked her to withdraw the allegation or provide proof.
In her formal reply dated April 30, Senator Natasha said she never received the letter Agbakoba claimed to have sent and rejected the idea that her silence was intentional.
“I place it on formal record that no such letters have ever been served upon me,” she said.
This marks a critical point in the ongoing controversy as Natasha responds to Agbakoba, reaffirming her commitment to let the courts handle the matter instead of public debate.
Senator Natasha explained that she kept silent because the matter is already in court, citing the legal principle of lis pendens, which discourages public commentary on active legal cases. She reminded the public that two court cases are currently pending: one filed by Akpabio’s wife seeking ₦250 billion in damages, and another she filed to challenge her suspension from the Senate.
Read Also: Labour to Tinubu: Reverse Fubara’s Suspension, Withdraw Tax Bills Now
According to her, while her own case is unrelated to the harassment claims, the one filed by Akpabio’s wife is directly tied to them. She criticized Agbakoba for commenting publicly on a case that is already before the court while previously using legal arguments to stop a Senate investigation on the same issue.
“A litigant may not approbate in the courts and reprobate in the press,” Natasha said, pointing out what she described as double standards.
The senator also addressed claims that her friendly behavior toward Akpabio in the past contradicts her allegations. She argued that being civil should not be mistaken for consent or comfort in a professional setting, especially when power dynamics are at play.
“Civility should not be mistaken for consent,” she said, stressing the seriousness of workplace harassment.
As Natasha responds to Agbakoba, she also accused Senate President Akpabio of presiding over the Senate session that led to her suspension — something she believes violates the principle of natural justice.
In her letter, Natasha stated that Agbakoba, though respected, has no legal right to demand evidence outside a courtroom setting.
“A private legal practitioner, however distinguished, is not vested with adjudicatory authority under the Constitution,” she wrote.
Natasha ended her statement by saying she stands by her February 28 complaint and her legal filings. She also asked that any future communication be routed through her legal team.
“This letter is issued solely to correct the public record and to prevent a constructive admission being inferred from silence,” she added.
