Natasha Sues Akpabio over defamation following heated senate clash

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, escalating their recent Senate confrontation into a legal battle.

The lawsuit, submitted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on February 25, 2025, names Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, as defendants.

The dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat was reassigned, sparking a heated exchange with the Senate President. As tensions rose, she accused Akpabio of making derogatory remarks about her, which were later published by his aide on Facebook.

One of the controversial posts, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”, allegedly contained a disparaging statement implying that she saw her role as a lawmaker as merely about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”

Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, described the statement as defamatory, provocative, and damaging, arguing that it sought to tarnish her dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and the public.

In the suit, Natasha is demanding a declaration that the remarks were defamatory, a court order restraining Akpabio and his associates from making further defamatory statements, and a total of ₦100 billion in general damages. She is also seeking ₦300 million to cover litigation costs.

As the legal proceedings unfold, political analysts say this case could further expose the power struggles, gender biases, and internal conflicts within Nigeria’s Senate.