Posts falsely claim ICC issued arrest warrant for Nigeria’s senate president

Yahoo! News - Apr 15th, 2025

Nigeria's Senate President, Godwin Akpabio, has been accused of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, but he denies the charges. In response to these allegations, viral social media posts falsely claim that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Akpabio. The ICC, however, has clarified that it does not prosecute sexual harassment, and no such warrant exists. Akpoti-Uduaghan's petition for an investigation into Akpabio was rejected by the Senate, and she was subsequently suspended, purportedly for unrelated reasons. Both parties are now engaged in legal battles, with defamation lawsuits filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio and by Akpabio's wife against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The false arrest warrant claim has emphasized issues of misinformation and the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics. The ICC operates under the Rome Statute, prosecuting crimes such as genocide and war crimes, not sexual harassment. The controversy highlights Nigeria's gender representation gap, as women hold just a small fraction of legislative seats. The situation underscores the broader struggle for women's rights and fair treatment in Nigerian governance, as well as the importance of accurate information dissemination in public discourse.

International Criminal Court Misinformation Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan Nigerian Senate Sexual Harassment Godwin Akpabio

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story effectively addresses a significant issue of misinformation regarding the ICC and provides a balanced view of the sexual harassment allegations involving Nigeria's Senate President. It relies on credible sources and maintains clarity and readability throughout. The article is timely and addresses topics of public interest, such as political accountability and gender dynamics in politics. While it presents a comprehensive analysis of the situation, it could enhance its depth by including more perspectives and additional context on procedural matters. Overall, the story is a well-rounded piece that contributes to informed public discourse.

Accuracy

The news story accurately reports on the false claims regarding the ICC issuing an arrest warrant for Nigeria’s Senate President, Godwin Akpabio. The article correctly identifies that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over sexual harassment cases, which is corroborated by the ICC's spokesman, Fadi El Abdallah, who confirmed the claims as false. The story also accurately portrays the allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, including her claims of unwanted advances and the blocking of her legislative motions. However, the story could benefit from more detailed verification of the procedural grounds on which Akpoti-Uduaghan's petition was rejected and the exact reasons for her suspension.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including both the allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the denial from Godwin Akpabio. It also mentions the legal actions taken by both parties, providing a comprehensive view of the ongoing dispute. However, the story could include more perspectives from independent experts or commentators to provide a broader context on the implications of such allegations in Nigerian politics.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to follow. It logically presents the sequence of events and provides a clear explanation of the ICC's jurisdiction, which helps the reader understand why the claims about the arrest warrant are false. The tone is neutral, which aids in maintaining objectivity.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources such as the ICC spokesman and includes references to AFP Fact Check, which enhances its reliability. However, it could improve by incorporating a wider range of sources, such as statements from Nigerian authorities or legal experts, to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly stating the basis for its claims and the sources of its information. However, it could improve by providing more context on the procedural aspects of the Senate's decision to reject Akpoti-Uduaghan's petition and the reasons behind her suspension, which would enhance the reader's understanding of the situation.