Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of defamation and demanding N1.3 billion in damages.
The lawsuit, filed on February 25, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, names Akpabio, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, as defendants.
According to court documents, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that a Facebook post published by Patrick, allegedly at Akpabio’s directive, contained statements that damaged her reputation. The post reportedly mocked her legislative competence, stating that she “thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, described the remarks as “defamatory, provocative, and damaging,” arguing that they lowered her esteem in the eyes of the public and her colleagues. Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking a court order preventing the defendants from making further defamatory statements. She is also demanding N100 billion in general damages and N300 million to cover legal expenses.
Meanwhile, the Senate has referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review. The resolution, adopted during a plenary session on February 25, followed a motion by Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, who described her recent actions in the chamber as disruptive and damaging to the Senate’s image.
Senate President Akpabio defended the decision, stating that while lawmakers are allowed to sit anywhere in the chamber, they must contribute from their designated seats. He suggested that unfamiliarity with Senate rules may have contributed to the dispute. The committee is expected to review the matter and report back to the Senate.
