Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging that he made damaging remarks about her.
The lawsuit, filed on February 25, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, also names the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Mfon Patrick, a Senior Legislative Aide to Akpabio, as co-defendants. The case is registered as CV/737/25.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose after opposition lawmakers lost their Senate seats following a switch to the majority bloc. Akpoti-Uduaghan resisted the move, leading to escalating tensions with Akpabio.
Her legal team, led by Victor Giwa, claims that defamatory remarks were made by Akpabio and published on Facebook by his aide, Mfon Patrick. The post, titled:
🔹 “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”
Included a statement implying that she viewed her legislative role as merely about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
Giwa described the remarks as “defamatory, provocative, and disparaging”, arguing that they tarnished Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation among her colleagues and the public.
Reliefs Sought
Akpoti-Uduaghan is asking the court to:
✔ Declare the statement defamatory
✔ Issue a perpetual injunction preventing the defendants from making further defamatory remarks
✔ Award N100 billion in general damages
✔ Award N300 million in litigation costs
The case has sparked intense debate, with political observers watching closely as it unfolds in court.
