Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of defamation and seeking N1.3 billion in damages.
The lawsuit, filed on February 25, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, also lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Mfon Patrick, a senior legislative aide to the Senate President, as co-defendants.
The case follows a controversy over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat after a reshuffle caused by opposition members switching sides. She strongly opposed the decision, leading to a confrontation with Akpabio.
According to court documents, the senator’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, argues that defamatory remarks were made against his client and published on Facebook by Akpabio’s aide, Mfon Patrick.
The post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”, included a statement that Akpoti-Uduaghan “thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
Also Read:
- Presidency Tells El-Rufai to “Stop Crying Like a Child” Over Ministerial Snub
- El-Rufai Accuses Ribadu and Uba Sani of Plotting Against Him
Giwa stated that the comment was damaging and designed to humiliate his client. “The words used were defamatory, provocative, and intended to lower my client’s reputation in the eyes of her colleagues and the public,” he said.
In her suit, Akpoti-Uduaghan is asking the court to declare the statement defamatory and to prevent Akpabio and his associates from making further damaging remarks about her.
She is also requesting a perpetual injunction to stop the defendants from publishing or spreading similar defamatory content about her on social media or any other platform.
Furthermore, she is demanding N100 billion in general damages and N300 million for litigation costs.
“The defendants should be ordered to compensate my client for the harm caused by these defamatory statements,” Giwa stated.