“Natasha’s Allegation Falls Short of Proving Sexual Harassment” – Agbakoba Questions Credibility, Seeks Clarification from Suspended Senator

Renowned lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has dismissed the sexual harassment allegation made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying it lacks credibility and falls short of the standard required to prove such claims.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba, who is also Akpabio’s legal counsel, described the allegation as contradictory and inconsistent with the public conduct of the Senator following the alleged incident. He said while it is vital for individuals to feel safe in speaking out, justice must be based on fairness and supported by clear evidence.

He revealed that, on Akpabio’s instruction, he has written to Akpoti-Uduaghan demanding clarification on the contradictions in her story, which he said has already caused considerable damage to Akpabio’s reputation both locally and internationally.

“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,” Agbakoba stated in the letter to the suspended Senator.

A central contradiction, according to Agbakoba, is the timeline of the events. He noted that although Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the harassment took place on December 8, 2023, she went on social media the very next day to praise Akpabio in glowing terms and share positive remarks about a birthday event she attended in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

“The juxtaposition of these two events—an alleged traumatic harassment followed by voluntary public expressions of admiration—requires careful consideration,” he said, adding that the tone of her posts showed no indication of distress.

Agbakoba also recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously made similar allegations against other public figures, including Reno Omokri and a former minister, stating that while each case must be considered on its own merits, the Senator’s pattern of accusations cannot be ignored.

He emphasized that sexual harassment is a serious matter that must be addressed through proper institutional channels rather than media campaigns, urging a balanced and evidence-based approach to ensure justice for all parties involved.