Amnesty International demands urgent investigation into Natasha’s sexual harassment claim against Akpabio 

Amnesty International is calling for an “immediate and impartial investigation” following serious allegations of sexual harassment made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

The human rights organization emphasized the need for a transparent inquiry into the claims, which have been publicly raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate.

In multiple televised interviews, both within Nigeria and internationally, Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her, a claim that has sparked widespread concern. 

Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Nigeria Country Director, stressed the importance of addressing the allegations swiftly and thoroughly. 

“The severity of these accusations demands a comprehensive and unbiased investigation,” Sanusi stated. 

“Failure to act could lead to dire consequences, undermining trust in the country’s institutions.” 

“The National Assembly must not continue to look away while the allegations remain and are being bizarrely trivialized, unaddressed and ignored,” the statement reads.

“Blatant failure of the authorities to investigate the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will have wider devastating consequences, that include perpetuating a system that makes it increasingly difficult for survivors of sexual harassment to get justice, while allowing perpetrators to get away with gross human rights violations.

“This is one case that the Nigerian authorities can use to show that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment — no matter who is involved.

“The fear of not being believed, or even being blamed, is already creating a dangerous culture of silence that prevents women who faced sexual harassment from seeking justice. The tide of sexual impunity against women and girls must be turned now.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her six-month suspension from the senate is an attempt to silence her.

The legislator was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.