Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over alleged defamatory remarks made about her.
The lawsuit, which was filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on February 25, 2025, also names the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Mfon Patrick, a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, as co-defendants.
Background: Senate Seat Controversy
The legal action follows a heated dispute over the reassignment of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat. The reshuffle occurred after some opposition members defected to the majority caucus, prompting a realignment in the chamber.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan resisted the move, leading to a confrontation with the Senate President.
Defamation Allegation
In the suit, marked CV/737/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, alleged that defamatory statements were made about her and published on Facebook by Akpabio’s aide.
One of the posts in question, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”, allegedly included the statement:
“It is bottled anger by the Kogi lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
Senator Demands N100 Billion in Damages
Giwa argued that the statement was provocative and damaging, lowering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s dignity among her colleagues and the public.
The lawsuit seeks the following:
- A declaration that the statement was defamatory.
- A perpetual injunction preventing further defamatory publications against her.
- N100 billion in general damages.
- N300 million in litigation costs.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is also asking the court to restrain Akpabio and his associates from making similar remarks about her on any platform.
The case is expected to proceed in court soon.