Police Declare Senator’s Aide Wanted As Federal Government Reopens Criminal Investigations

…As IGP commends Prof. Sandra Duru for her patriotism and courage

The Nigeria Police Force has declared Mr Hamza Lamisi, a legislative aide to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, wanted in connection with ongoing criminal investigations. This move has sparked renewed public debate over due process and law enforcement procedures.

Reacting to the declaration, Prof. Sandra Chidinma Duru raised concerns about the manner in which the police handled the case, questioning why a suspect whose whereabouts are allegedly well known was declared wanted rather than being arrested through routine legal procedures. According to her, Lamisi is frequently seen in public with his principal, including at the National Assembly and other official locations.

Prof. Duru also drew attention to the involvement of the IGP Monitoring Unit, headed by CP Akin Fakorede, alleging that the handling of the matter reflects delays and selective enforcement similar to previous high-profile cases managed by the unit. She said the circumstances surrounding the declaration had raised questions about institutional transparency and intent.

Providing an update on the legal status of the case, Prof. Duru disclosed that the Federal Government has formally approved her petitions, leading to the reopening of criminal investigations linked to the matter. She stated that the evidence she submitted was subjected to forensic examination, the results of which informed the decision to reopen the cases.

The reopened investigations reportedly involve allegations of criminal defamation, intimidation, harassment and related offences arising from publications and statements allegedly made by Mr Lamisi and others.

Prof. Duru said she has retained extensive documentation, including preserved communications, video recordings of statements allegedly made at the IGP Monitoring Unit, and multiple versions of case files. She maintained that the matter has moved beyond public commentary and entered a phase of formal legal accountability.

She further urged Nigerian institutions to ensure that the enforcement of the law is transparent and impartial, stressing that public confidence depends on justice being applied without fear or favour.

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue a detailed response to the concerns raised, while investigations into the matter are expected to continue.

In another development, based on Prof. Duru’s report and the outcome of police investigations, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice reportedly found the information provided to be credible and subsequently filed criminal charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on March 29, 2025.

The charge, marked CR/297/25, contained three counts bordering on alleged violations of Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, which relate to defamation.

According to particulars outlined in Count Three of the charge, the prosecution alleged that on or about March 27, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, during a two-way telephone conversation with Ms. Sandra Duru in Abuja, made statements imputing serious allegations against Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The prosecution further alleged that the senator knew, or had reason to believe, that such statements would harm Senator Akpabio’s reputation.

In his legal opinion, the Attorney-General of the Federation reportedly classified Ms. Duru as a principal witness to the alleged offence, noting that the statements attributed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan did not cause Ms. Duru any personal injury sufficient to constitute an offence against her under Nigerian law.

However, the case took a new turn when the principal complainant and alleged victim, Senator Godswill Akpabio, opted to discontinue the prosecution for personal reasons. Consequently, the Attorney-General of the Federation approached the court to formally discontinue the matter by invoking the constitutional power of “nolle prosequi”, as provided under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a concluding note, the Inspector-General of Police commended Ms. Sandra Duru for what was described as her patriotism and courage in coming forward during the investigation. The police leadership stated that her cooperation and diligence contributed significantly to clarifying key issues and shedding light on areas of concern uncovered in the course of the investigation.