Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed lawsuits against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, alleging defamation, sexual harassment, and violations of her fundamental human rights.
In a suit marked CV/737/25 filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Akpoti-Uduaghan accuses Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, of making defamatory statements.
The controversy centers around a Facebook post by Patrick, titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”, which allegedly contained derogatory remarks about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance and legislative competence.
Akpoti-Uduaghan seeks ₦100 billion in general damages and ₦300 million in litigation costs, along with a public apology and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from making further defamatory statements.
In a separate suit marked CV/1359/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦5 billion defamation claim against Senator Nwaebonyi. She alleges that during a live interview on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” program, Nwaebonyi made false statements about her personal life, including claims about her family and marriage.
These legal actions follow Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. She alleges that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her, which he has denied.
Following her allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months, officially for “unruly and disruptive behavior” during a seating arrangement dispute.
The suspension has sparked widespread criticism from women’s rights groups and civil society organizations, who view it as an attempt to silence her and a reflection of gender inequality in Nigerian politics. Protests under the banner “We are all Natasha” have been held in various states, calling for her reinstatement and a thorough investigation into her allegations.
In response to the allegations, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, has filed her own defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking ₦250 billion in damages. She claims that the accusations have caused emotional and psychological distress to her and her family.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged Ekaette Akpabio to refrain from involving herself in the matter, stating that she possesses concrete evidence to support her claims against the Senate President.
The legal battles between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and members of the Senate leadership underscore ongoing tensions and raise questions about the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.
As the courts deliberate on these matters, the outcomes could have significant implications for gender equality and accountability within the nation’s legislative body.
