Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has responded to the request of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s lawyer’s call for an out-of-court settlement.
She rejected the offer, saying that what she requires is justice ascertained out of due process.
In her words: “Out-of-court settlement? To settle how? Who? What about how I felt? I don’t know how to explain it. I am not looking for an out-of-court settlement. It is about justice. It is very painful that you subject somebody to so much.” She added that no one should have to endure intimidation for speaking the truth.
The senator further insisted that Akpabio must face an investigation and warned that his conduct is tarnishing the image of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to a report published by The Nation on April 16, 2025, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), counsel to Akpabio, recommended a peaceful resolution and urged the senator to provide more evidence to support her allegations. He expressed concern that her claims currently lack the necessary details to meet the legal standard for sexual harassment.
Agbakoba, however, highlighted what he described as contradictions in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s account. He pointed out that although she alleged harassment on December 8, she praised Akpabio on Instagram the very next day. This, he said, raises serious questions about the timeline and credibility of the claims.
He stressed that serious allegations must be handled with care and evidence, not emotion or public opinion. “Allegations, however serious, must be scrutinised with diligence and care to avoid situations where they are being weaponised for vendetta,” Agbakoba stated.
While acknowledging that victims deserve to be heard, he emphasized that justice must remain grounded in fairness and due process.
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