Prominent legal figure and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has issued a formal demand to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her to withdraw the sexual harassment allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a letter addressed to the senator on April 14, 2025, Agbakoba challenged the credibility of her claims, highlighting contradictions in her reported timeline and actions following the alleged incident. The issue has stirred significant controversy, especially as Akpoti-Uduaghan remains under suspension by the Senate.
At a press briefing held in Lagos on Tuesday, April 29, Agbakoba stated that his request was based on inconsistencies surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. The senator had filed her complaint on February 28, 2025, claiming the harassment took place on December 8, 2023.
“In our first letter, we requested clarification of contradictions in your allegation against our client, Akpabio. Notably, there is a contradiction in the timeline and dates. You allege the sexual harassment occurred on December 8, 2023, but on December 9, 2023, you posted on social media praising Akpabio, the very same man you later accused of harassment,” Agbakoba said.
He further noted that instead of addressing the concerns raised, the senator opted to delete the social media post in question, which he argued only raised further doubts.
Agbakoba also pointed out what he described as questionable behaviour by Akpoti-Uduaghan in the aftermath of the alleged incident, particularly her public appearances with Akpabio at events throughout 2024.
“You claim the sexual harassment occurred on December 8, 2023, but you did not make the allegation until February 28, 2025. More troubling is that you were seen together with Akpabio at various events throughout 2024, including taking selfies and group photos with him. These were shared on your social media platforms with warm tones,” Agbakoba stated.
He cited their joint appearance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union session in Geneva in March 2024 as one of several instances where they interacted in public, despite the serious nature of her later accusations.
Reiterating his stance, Agbakoba maintained that without credible evidence, the allegations against Akpabio remain baseless and damaging. He insisted that the senator must withdraw her claims.
“In light of this, and given that you have failed to clarify the contradictions pointed out in our first letter, we demand that you retract your sexual harassment allegations against our client as they are clearly false and unsubstantiated,” Agbakoba declared.
