FG Defends Defamation Case Against Natasha, Says Prosecution Follows Due Process, Says AGF
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has dismissed claims that the criminal charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan amount to an abuse of court process.
Fagbemi made this known in a statement issued on Monday through his media aide, defending the Federal Government’s decision to prosecute the Kogi lawmaker over alleged defamation and cyberstalking.
The AGF explained that the charges were properly instituted in line with constitutional and procedural requirements, adding that every citizen regardless of social or political status is subject to the law.
“The matter before the court is not an abuse of process but a lawful exercise of the powers conferred on my office under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” Fagbemi stated. “The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has the authority to initiate, take over, and continue criminal proceedings in any court of law in Nigeria.”
He noted that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the case was not politically motivated but based on credible complaints and evidence warranting prosecution under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
“The law does not grant immunity to anyone. Allegations of defamation or cyberstalking are serious matters that must be addressed within the framework of the law, not through media sentiments,” the AGF added.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, is facing charges relating to alleged publication of false and injurious statements against certain individuals and institutions. Her legal team had earlier described the case as an attempt to silence her, calling it a clear abuse of judicial process.
Fagbemi, however, insisted that due process was followed in filing the case and urged all parties to allow the courts to determine the matter without interference.
“The judiciary remains the final arbiter. The Federal Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting both the rights of individuals and the integrity of legal institutions,” he said.
