Sen Natasha sues Akpabio for defamation, demands N1.3bn

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, demanding N1.3 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.

The suit, lodged at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, lists Akpabio, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick as defendants.

The dispute traces back to a controversial Senate committee reshuffle, which resulted in the reassignment of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat. Her opposition to the move led to a confrontation with Akpabio.

The situation escalated when a Facebook post titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” appeared online, insinuating that she viewed her legislative role as an avenue for personal display rather than governance.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa, argued that the remarks were defamatory and damaging to her reputation among her colleagues and the public. The lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration affirming that the statements made by Akpabio and his aide were intended to tarnish her image and subject her to public ridicule.

Additionally, the Kogi senator is requesting a court injunction to prevent the defendants and their associates from making further defamatory statements against her on any platform.

She is demanding N1 billion in general damages and N300 million to cover litigation costs.

The lawsuit underscores the deepening tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, which began as a dispute over committee assignments but has now escalated into a legal battle over defamation.