Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging that statements attributed to him damaged her reputation.
The suit, submitted on February 25, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, also names the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, as co-defendants.
The dispute arose following a reshuffling in the Senate that affected Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position. Tensions escalated after a Facebook post, allegedly published on Akpabio’s instruction, belittled her contributions in the Senate.
The post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”, included a statement suggesting that the senator “believes being a lawmaker is all about applying heavy makeup and wearing revealing outfits in the chambers.”
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, condemned the remark as defamatory, asserting that it was intended to demean and discredit her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is demanding a public declaration that the statement was defamatory, a court injunction to prevent further damaging remarks, ₦100 billion in compensation, and ₦300 million to cover legal expenses.
The senator had earlier accused Akpabio of orchestrating plans to have her suspended from the National Assembly.