Sen Natasha’s Allegation Against Akpabio Lacks Evidence, Contains Contradictions – Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).
Legal luminary and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has described the sexual harassment allegation made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as inconsistent and lacking sufficient proof.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba stated that the claim “falls short of the threshold required to establish sexual harassment anywhere in the world.” He emphasized that while everyone should feel safe to speak up, justice must be rooted in evidence and fairness.
Agbakoba, who is also representing Akpabio in the matter, revealed he had sent a letter to the Kogi Central Senator on the Senate President’s instruction, asking her to clarify contradictions in her statements which had been widely circulated in local and international media.
“This widespread publication has severely d@maged our client’s reputation. We’re giving you time to address the inconsistencies, while our client reserves the right to pursue legal action,” the letter read.
During the briefing, Agbakoba highlighted a key contradiction: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged she was sexually harassed on December 8, 2023, yet the following day, December 9, she posted glowing tributes to Akpabio on social media, praising him and celebrating an event she attended in Uyo.
He stressed that the timing of these public remarks, which conveyed admiration and warmth, was at odds with the claim of harassment just a day earlier. According to him, this contradiction must be seriously examined. Agbakoba concluded that the situation, as it stands, lacks the legal merit to substantiate the serious allegations being made.
