Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Sues Colleague for N5 Billion Over Defamatory Claims

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against her colleague, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over allegations that she had six children with different men.

The lawsuit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, claims Nwaebonyi’s statements were false, malicious, and damaging to her public image.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, M.J. Numa, argue that Nwaebonyi’s comments during a March 6, 2025, interview on Channels TV’s “Sunrise Daily” were defamatory.

Nwaebonyi allegedly referred to Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer.” The lawsuit also references another interview on Arise News TV, where Nwaebonyi made similar claims.

The lawsuit highlights several statements made by Nwaebonyi, including accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of having six children with different men, claiming her marriage was a product of blackmail, alleging she demanded N10 billion from her husband, and accusing her of falsely alleging sexual harassment against a former presidential aide.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking N5 billion in damages for reputational harm and emotional distress, a retraction of the defamatory statements and an apology in national newspapers within seven days of the court’s judgment, an order of perpetual injunction to prevent further defamatory comments, and post-judgment interest at 10% per annum.

Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that Nwaebonyi’s claims are baseless and malicious, saying, “The claimant is an inspiration to women in politics and aspiring women for speaking truth to power. The claimant is not spoiling the chance of women in politics as falsely alleged, rather she is inspiring women to be bold in their quest for politics and good governance.” No hearing date has been set for the matter.

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