Two separate High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have issued summonses to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over serious allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and violation of fundamental rights brought by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Court Grants Leave to Serve Akpabio in Person
Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, in suit no: FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve Akpabio both personally and in his official capacity as Senate President. The court also directed that Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, and the Clerk of the National Assembly be served with the court processes.
The motion, moved by Natasha’s legal counsel U.J. Udoh and supported by a six-paragraph affidavit from litigation manager Hamzat Mogaji, was approved by the judge, who scheduled June 9, 2025, for the report of service.
Nwaebonyi to Be Served by Substituted Means
In a separate matter, Justice A.O. Otaluka granted an order for Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Central, to be served via substituted means in suit no: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25. The motion, dated May 10, was moved by Michael J. Numa, SAN, lead counsel to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The matter was adjourned to June 25 for the report of service.
Natasha Demands N5 Billion in Defamation Suit
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nwaebonyi over damaging remarks made during a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025. She alleged that Nwaebonyi falsely claimed she had six children with different men and made defamatory statements such as calling her a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “blackmailer.”
Her legal team described the remarks as malicious, false, and intentionally damaging, allegedly made to justify her controversial suspension from the Senate and influence public perception around her ongoing petition before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions.
₦100 Billion in Damages Demanded from Akpabio’s Camp
Senator Natasha also filed claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment and defamation via his aide, Mfon Patrick. She is seeking ₦100 billion in general damages and ₦300 million in legal costs from the Senate President’s office and his aide.
The legal battle follows her suspension from the Senate over a seating altercation with Akpabio, a decision she has challenged, asserting that the move was tied to her allegations of sexual misconduct against the Senate President.
Reliefs Sought
Natasha is requesting the following reliefs from the court:
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A perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi and his agents from further defaming her.
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Monetary compensation for damages and legal costs.
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A court ruling affirming the violation of her fundamental human rights by both Akpabio and Nwaebonyi.
