A message forwarded several times on WhatsApp claims the International Criminal Court (ICC) has ordered the arrest of the Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio following allegations by the Senator representing Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The forwarded message accompanied by a picture of Natsaha reads: “BREAKING: ICC Issues International Arrest Warrant for Nigerian Senate President Over Sexual Harassment Allegations.
“The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly placed Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on an international sanctions list, ordering his immediate arrest if sighted in any country. A formal letter has also been sent to the Nigerian government, calling on President Bola Tinubu to take action.
“The warrant follows allegations by a female senator who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and forced kissing. She claims to have video evidence to support her claims, which the ICC has confirmed they have reviewed in full before issuing the arrest order. Full Details here https://da.gd/Ylcnv”
The claim could also be found on Facebook here. Also, it was published by a blog here,
Furthermore, it was published on Nairaland, but now deleted. The claim also found its way to LinkedIn here.
But has ICC been involved in the Akabio-Natasha scenario?
Here are the facts
The Senator representing Kogi Central Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025. Her suspension followed the recommendation of the Senate for her misconduct on the floor of the Senate.
Natasha in her own defence alleged that she was being shut down for refusing sexual advances from the senate president, hence her conduct on the floor of the senate.
The development has been a subject of public discourse leading to conversations on integrity of the senate, personality of Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President including the Nigerian political and justice system.
Natasha has not stopped fighting her suspension. He has approached a court and is also pushing her sexual harassment allegations.
Recently she reported at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Meeting at the United Nations in New York.
She has, however, made no report to the ICC and the ICC has not issued a warrant of arrest on Akpabio.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.
As at the time of this check, the ICC has 29 cases on which an arrest warrant has been issued none of which concerns the senate president or any Nigerian.
The claim has been published on social media and blogs have no source attributed to the information.
A click on the link accompanying the message as forwarded on WhatsApp redirects to another unrelated website each time it is clicked.
Also, no credible news media has reported a warrant of arrest on Akpabio.
CONCLUSION
The claim that the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant of arrest on the senate president Akpabio over sexual harassment allegation by Akpoti-Uduaghan is FALSE.
