Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has initiated a high-profile defamation lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North Central) at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, seeking N5 billion in damages over allegedly malicious remarks made during a televised interview.
The legal action stems from Nwaebonyi’s March 6 appearance on Channels Television where he reportedly described Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “gold digger, habitual liar, and habitual blackmailer,” while falsely claiming she had “six children from different men.” In court documents filed by her counsel Michael Numa, the Kogi lawmaker contends these statements were deliberately designed to tarnish her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most prominent female politicians.
“The defendant’s reckless allegations represent a calculated attack on my client’s hard-earned reputation as a trailblazer for women in politics,” stated Numa in the suit. “These baseless claims undermine Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decade-long advocacy for gender equality in governance.”
The lawsuit presents four key demands:
- An immediate retraction and public apology broadcast on Channels Television and published in two national newspapers
- A perpetual injunction barring Nwaebonyi from repeating such allegations
- N5 billion in aggravated damages for reputational harm and emotional distress
- 10% post-judgment interest until full payment
Legal analysts note the case could set important precedents regarding lawmakers’ accountability for public statements. “This isn’t just about personal reputation—it touches on the growing culture of gender-based smears in Nigerian politics,” noted constitutional lawyer Prof. Nuhu Yakubu.
The suit comes amid heightened tensions in the Senate, where Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a vocal advocate for electoral reforms.
Court officials confirm the matter has been assigned to Justice Ahmed Mohammed, with initial hearings expected within 21 days. Neither Senator Nwaebonyi nor his legal team had responded publicly as of press time.
