The legal battle between Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a dramatic turn as Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, has slammed multiple lawsuits against the senator.
Mrs. Akpabio, through her lawyers, filed both fundamental rights and defamation suits at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, demanding a staggering N251 billion in damages.
The lawsuits stem from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s explosive allegations that the Senate President had made inappropriate advances toward her and was now using his position to victimize her in the Senate. She further claimed that some of these advances were made even in the presence of her husband.
Breakdown of the Lawsuits
1. Fundamental Rights Violation (Suit No: CV/814/25)
Mrs. Akpabio contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations have caused her severe emotional distress and violated her rights under the 1999 Constitution and other legal provisions. She is demanding:
- A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public statements infringed upon her rights.
- A court order permanently barring the senator from making further “scandalous and inciteful” claims that endanger her and her children.
- N250 billion in damages for the emotional and psychological harm suffered.
2. Defamation (Suit No: CV/816/25)
The second lawsuit seeks to restore the Akpabio family’s reputation, which Mrs. Akpabio claims was tarnished by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s televised statements. She is asking for:
- A judicial declaration that the senator’s accusations, made on national TV, have damaged her family’s reputation.
- A public retraction and apology in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers.
- N1 billion in punitive damages for defamation.
- A perpetual injunction stopping further defamatory remarks.
Public Reactions and Political Tensions
This legal battle has sparked widespread debate, with political observers questioning whether the lawsuits are an attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan or a legitimate effort to protect the Akpabio family’s name.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that she stands by her allegations and is ready to defend herself in court.
As the case unfolds, all eyes are on the judiciary to see how this high-profile showdown will play out.