Nigeria: Senator suspended after filing harassment claim – DW – 03/07/2025


Nigeria: Senator suspended after filing harassment claim – DW – 03/07/2025

Published 7 March 2025 Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan was suspended on Thursday after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her claim was denied by the Senate Ethics Committee, and she will be suspended without pay for six months. In a social media post, she called her suspension "unjust," adding it "invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity." She is one of just four female senators in Nigeria. Akpoti Uduaghan claimed the Senate president would only agree to move her motions forward if she provided him sexual favors. Speaking to a local broadcaster, she quoted Akpabio as telling her, "You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy." Akpabio has denied the allegations. Akpoti Uduaghan filed suit against the Senate president, demanding N100 billion (€58,900, $64,000) in damages.