The Nigerian authorities has pressed costs towards a senator who accused one of many nation’s prime politicians of plotting to kill her.
In April, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, and Yahaya Bello, a former state governor, wished to “remove” her. Each have denied the accusation.
Weeks earlier than, Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused the senate president of sexually harassing her – an allegation he has additionally denied.
The federal government has now filed costs with the Excessive Court docket, saying Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assassination allegation defamed Akpabio and Bello.
Within the cost sheet, seen by the BBC, Nigeria’s lawyer normal referenced an interview proven by Nigerian broadcaster Channels TV final month.
Within the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke of “discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello… to remove me”.
The lawyer normal mentioned this assertion, and others made in the identical broadcast, may hurt Bello and Akpabio’s reputations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has not responded publicly to the costs towards her.
In March, after accusing Akabio of sexual harassment, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the senate for six months with out pay.
The senate’s ethics committee mentioned the suspension was for “unruly and disruptive” behaviour throughout a debate within the senate, however her supporters argue that it was a results of her allegations towards Akabio.
