Renowned legal icon and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has expressed serious concerns over what he described as “significant inconsistencies” in the sexual harassment allegations recently made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking at a press briefing held at his Apapa Chambers in Lagos on Tuesday, Dr. Agbakoba — who leads the legal team representing Akpabio — emphasized the need for a fair, objective, and evidence-driven handling of such a sensitive matter. While reiterating his support for the global and national push to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment, he stressed that allegations must always be evaluated in the light of justice and due process.
“We support the global and national movements advocating for safe and respectful environments, particularly for women in public life,” Agbakoba stated. “Nonetheless, the rule of law demands fairness, impartiality, and credible evidence.”
A key point raised by the legal team was the timeline of events cited by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to Dr. Agbakoba, while the senator claimed the incident occurred on December 8, 2023, she proceeded to publish favorable remarks about Akpabio on her social media platforms the very next day, December 9 — a contradiction the legal team found troubling.
“The senator’s posts on December 9 featured commendations for the Senate President and reflections on his birthday celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom,” Agbakoba noted. “The close proximity between the alleged traumatic experience and the public praises casts doubt and calls for deeper scrutiny.”
Further referencing past controversies involving the senator, Agbakoba’s team pointed to a 2021 allegation she made against a former presidential aide, which was later retracted, as well as an earlier video in which she accused an unnamed minister of inappropriate behavior. He clarified, however, that past actions do not invalidate current claims but highlight the need for thorough consistency and corroborative evidence in such matters.
He also urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to produce additional evidence to support her current claims, particularly as she had earlier indicated a readiness to provide more information.
“As it stands, the allegation does not meet the established international legal standards for substantiating a claim of sexual harassment,” he asserted, adding that such issues should be addressed through institutional processes rather than public media narratives.
In addition, Agbakoba revealed that his legal team has sent a formal letter to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, dated April 14, requesting clarification on the highlighted contradictions. While the letter is yet to be officially delivered, it gives the senator a two-week period to respond, which will guide the legal team’s next line of action.
