Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has called on suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to clarify alleged contradictions in her sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba, who is leading Akpabio’s legal team, said the allegations, widely reported in the media, had caused reputational damage to his client both locally and internationally. He maintained that the claims, as currently presented, fall short of the global threshold for proving sexual harassment.
In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to Senator Natasha, Agbakoba stressed the need for fairness and evidence in addressing such allegations. While acknowledging the right of individuals to speak out, he warned against using allegations as tools for vendetta.
Agbakoba cited what he described as a “timeline contradiction,” noting that the Senator alleged harassment on December 8, 2023, but went on social media the next day to publicly praise Akpabio and the birthday event she attended in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
“The juxtaposition of an alleged traumatic experience with public expressions of admiration requires careful consideration,” he said.
He also referenced earlier allegations Senator Natasha made against other public figures, including Reno Omokri and an unnamed minister, suggesting a pattern that should be closely examined.
Agbakoba urged the Senator to provide additional evidence, noting that she had previously indicated her willingness to do so. He emphasized that serious matters such as sexual harassment should be handled through proper institutional processes, rather than media platforms.
