Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, a prominent legal expert, has expressed reservations regarding “significant inconsistencies” in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During a media briefing at his Apapa Chambers in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba, who leads Akpabio’s legal team, called for a fair and evidence-based approach to the sensitive claims.
While affirming his support for combating gender-based harassment, he stressed the importance of objectivity and due process.
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“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 questioned the timeline of events presented by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He pointed out that although the alleged incident occurred on December 8, 2023, the senator publicly praised 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 Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past allegations, including a 2021 claim against a former presidential aide, which was later withdrawn, and an earlier video accusing an unnamed minister of misconduct.
Agbakoba clarified that past incidents do not invalidate current claims but highlighted the need for consistency and corroboration.
He urged the senator to provide further evidence, especially since she had previously indicated a willingness to share more details.
“As the claim currently stands, it falls short of the global legal threshold for proving sexual harassment,” he said, advocating for the matter to be addressed through proper institutional channels rather than media trials.
In a letter dated April 14, addressed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but not yet formally delivered, Agbakoba’s team requested clarifications on the identified contradictions, giving her two weeks to respond before determining their next steps.
“Sexual harassment is a serious issue,” Agbakoba concluded, “but so is the presumption of innocence. Let the facts lead, not sentiment.”
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