LAGOS, Nigeria – Renowned legal icon, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has called for fairness, objectivity, and evidence-based investigation in response to sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Addressing the media on Tuesday at his Apapa Chambers in Lagos, Dr. Agbakoba — who leads the legal team representing Senator Akpabio — expressed concern over what he described as “significant inconsistencies” in the senator’s claims.
“We respect and support the global and national efforts to create a safe and respectful environment for all, especially women in public life,” Agbakoba stated. “However, we must also uphold the principles of justice, which require fairness, objectivity, and evidence.”
Citing specific discrepancies, the senior advocate questioned the timeline of the alleged incident, which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims took place on December 8, 2023. Agbakoba noted that on December 9, the senator made publicly favorable comments about Akpabio via social media, praising him and reflecting positively on his birthday celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
“This juxtaposition — an alleged traumatic incident followed by voluntary public eulogies — presents a contradiction that must be carefully examined,” he emphasized.
The legal team also referenced earlier claims made by the senator, including a 2021 allegation against a former presidential aide which was later withdrawn, and a previous video accusing an unnamed minister of misconduct. While clarifying that past allegations do not negate present ones, Agbakoba underscored the need for consistency, corroboration, and substantiation.
He urged the senator to provide further evidence in support of her allegations, particularly in light of her earlier statements expressing a willingness to furnish additional details.
“As the claim currently stands, it falls short of the global legal threshold for proving sexual harassment,” he said. “This matter must be handled through appropriate institutional frameworks, not media trials.”
In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan — yet to be formally delivered — Agbakoba’s team requested clarification on the identified contradictions, giving a two-week window for response to determine the next steps.
