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Agbakoba questions inconsistencies in Natasha’s sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio
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By Francesca Hangeior
Renowned legal luminary, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has raised concerns over what he described as “significant inconsistencies” in the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during a media briefing at his Apapa Chambers in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba, who leads the legal team representing Akpabio, called for a fair and evidence-driven approach to the sensitive claims.
While affirming his support for efforts to combat gender-based harassment, he emphasized the need for objectivity and due process.
“We respect and support the global and national efforts to create a safe and respectful environment for all, especially women in public life,” he stated. “However, we must also uphold the principles of justice, which require fairness, objectivity, and evidence.”
Agbakoba, who has over four decades of experience in the legal profession, specifically questioned the timeline of events presented by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. He noted that while the alleged incident was said to have occurred on December 8, 2023, the senator made publicly positive comments about Akpabio on social media the following day, December 9.
“These posts included praise for the Senate President and reflections on his birthday celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom,” Agbakoba said. “This juxtaposition — an alleged traumatic incident followed by voluntary public eulogies — presents a contradiction that must be carefully examined.”
The legal team also referenced past allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including a 2021 claim against a former presidential aide which was later withdrawn, and an earlier video in which she accused an unnamed minister of misconduct.
Agbakoba was quick to clarify that past incidents do not nullify present claims but noted that such patterns underscore the importance of consistency and corroboration.
He urged the senator to present further evidence, especially since she had previously indicated a willingness to provide more details.
“As the claim currently stands, it falls short of the global legal threshold for proving sexual harassment,” he said, adding that the matter should be addressed through proper institutional channels, not media trials.
In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan — yet to be formally delivered — Agbakoba’s team requested clarifications on the contradictions identified, giving a two-week window for response to determine the next course of action.
“Sexual harassment is a serious issue,” Agbakoba concluded, “but so is the presumption of innocence. Let the facts lead, not sentiment.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has slashed its fuel pump price for the second time within four days.
A market survey on Saturday by DAILY POST showed that NNPCL retail outlets around Airport Junction and Wuse Zone 6 (Berger) in Abuja have reduced their petrol price to N1210 per litre, down from N1260.
This means that the state-owned oil firm slashed the petrol price by N50 per litre.
This comes barely two days after Dangote Refinery reduced its petrol gantry price by N50 to N1,125 per litre.
Recall that four days ago, NNPCL had adjusted its fuel price pump by N75 per litre to N1260.
With the latest drop by NNPCL retail outlets, petrol prices stand between N1210 per litre and N1305 per litre in Abuja and its environs.
The reduction in domestic fuel comes amid falling crude oil prices, which stand at $69 per barrel and $71 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude, respectively, following the easing of the conflict in the Middle East.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu has kept mum amid the clamour by Nigerians for a commensurate drop in domestic fuel pump prices due to the significant reduction in crude oil prices.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the Federal High Court judgment that set aside an earlier order directing it to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a political party.
INEC revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola.
According to the commission, although it is aware of media reports on the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on June 26, it cannot comment on the ruling until it obtains and reviews the certified copy.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is aware of reports circulating in the media regarding the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
“However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court’s order,” the statement said.
INEC stated that its legal department would study the judgment upon receipt of the CTC before advising the commission on the next course of action.
“Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives.
“Until then, we cannot comment on the specifics of the ruling, and the public is urged to await the Commission’s formal position on the matter,” Oketola added.
Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja had on Friday set aside the court’s December 10, 2025, judgment directing INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
The court held that the rights of the Peace Movement Party were affected by the earlier judgment because it was not joined in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo relied upon in securing the registration order.
Justice Dashen consequently ordered that all parties be restored to the positions they occupied before the December 2025 judgment and directed that the substantive suit be heard afresh with all necessary parties joined.
The NDC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal the decision. Its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, maintained that the party had not been deregistered and argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to revisit a matter on which it had already delivered a final judgment.
The ruling has also attracted reactions from opposition figures, including the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Dickson, and other stakeholders, who described the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and vowed to challenge it through all available legal channels.
INEC, however, maintained that it would reserve its position on the judgment until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy.
A joint police operation rescued five victims abducted near Ogbere Forest in Ogun state on Wednesday.
They were rescued within 25 hours by the Lagos and Ogun Police Commands, which were part of a joint operation codenamed KOSAYE, meaning “No Space” in Yoruba.
The woman was among the victims who were shot in the incident. Her daughter and sister were among those rescued by the police on Thursday.
NNPC slashes petrol price twice within four days
Lokoja Court order: INEC speaks on NDC, says it’s yet to receive CTC
Just in: Police rescue five abductees in Ogun
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