Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Sues Senate President Akpabio For Defamation.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over alleged defamation.
The legal action follows a disagreement in the Senate after Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns about the new seating arrangement, which she claimed was unfavourable to her. She also alleged that her contributions during plenary sessions were ignored by Akpabio, who insisted she must speak from her assigned seat.
The suit, marked CV/737/25, was filed on 25 February 2025 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, are listed as the first and second defendants, respectively.
Allegations of Defamation
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpabio made a defamatory remark that was subsequently published on social media by his aide. The statement allegedly claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
Giwa argued that the statement was meant to damage the senator’s reputation and called for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from making further defamatory comments against his client.
Legal Demands
The lawsuit seeks:
– N100 billion in general damages
– N300 million for litigation costs
– An injunction preventing further defamatory statements
Akpoti-Uduaghan insists the remarks were intended to bring her into public disrepute, urging the court to protect her rights and reputation. The case is expected to draw significant attention as legal proceedings unfold.
