A coalition of over 350 women-led organisations under the umbrella of WoManifesto has condemned what it described as a “judicial ambush” against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling the legal actions against the female lawmaker a blatant attempt to silence outspoken women in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Co-Convener of the movement, Womanifesto denounced the ongoing defamation charges brought against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Federal Government. The charges, linked to her public statements about Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, have sparked outrage.
“This is an affront to womanhood, a direct message meant to intimidate and silence Nigerian women who dare to speak out against injustice, particularly sexual harassment and political malfeasance,” the statement read.
The group criticised what they termed an “egregious abuse of court processes,” warning that such actions undermine public trust in Nigeria’s legal system and erode democratic values.
According to Womanifesto, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan narrowly escaped an unlawful arrest on Monday, June 16, when 10 truckloads of armed policemen were reportedly deployed to the Federal High Court in Abuja. The group claimed this was done in an effort to arrest the Senator despite her legal team not being formally served with any court summons.
“This calculated move… is unacceptable and must be resisted with every fiber of our being,” the group declared.
They described the attempt as part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting women in leadership and activism. The scheduled arraignment of the Senator on Wednesday, June 19, has only intensified concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary.
“The Nigerian government is attempting to send a clear message that women are to be seen and not heard, and certainly not to speak back, especially when challenging powerful male figures,” the statement added.
Womanifesto emphasised that what is unfolding was not just a personal legal battle but a national test of the country’s commitment to democracy, rule of law, and gender equity.
“This is not just about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; it is about every Nigerian woman,” the group stated. “They want to shut women up, to make us afraid to speak out when harassed.”
They also raised critical questions about the role of the Federal Government in prosecuting what appears to be a personal defamation case, warning against the misuse of state power for private vendettas.
“We demand an immediate end to all forms of harassment and intimidation against the Senator,” said Akiyode-Afolabi. “We call on the Nigerian judiciary to uphold due process and resist being weaponized for political witch-hunts.”
The coalition has urged civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and the international community to speak out in solidarity, framing the moment as pivotal in the fight to protect women’s voices and Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
“Judicial independence and integrity are not optional—they are foundational to a functioning democracy,” the statement added.
