Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former NBA President, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has questioned the credibility of the sexual harassment allegation made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing the claim as inconsistent and lacking in legal substance.
At a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba stated that the accusations, as presented, do not satisfy the legal requirements for proving sexual harassment under any recognized legal system.
While affirming the right of individuals to speak out, he stressed that justice demands fairness and verifiable evidence.
Acting in his capacity as Akpabio’s legal counsel, Agbakoba addressed a formal letter to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her to address what he called clear contradictions in her narrative—details of which have already gained widespread attention in both Nigerian and international media.
“This broad coverage has severely impacted our client’s image both locally and globally,” the letter read. “We are giving you an opportunity to clarify the conflicting points, even as our client retains the option of pursuing legal redress.”
Agbakoba highlighted a key contradiction in the Senator’s timeline, noting that although she claimed to have been harassed on December 8, 2023, she went on to publicly praise Akpabio in social media posts the very next day, referring to him in a warm and celebratory tone during a birthday event in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
He pointed out that such a shift in tone—from an alleged traumatic encounter to a public show of admiration within 24 hours—raises questions that deserve serious consideration.
Agbakoba also mentioned previous allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against other public officials, including Reno Omokri and an unnamed minister. While maintaining that every case should be treated individually, he suggested a pattern that may warrant a closer look.
He concluded by saying that sexual harassment is a serious issue that should be addressed through formal procedures, not trial by media, and called for all parties to be treated with respect and fairness throughout the process.