Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, seeking N200 billion in damages over her February allegations of sexual harassment against him.
The suit, marked CV/3356/2025, was filed on August 25, 2025, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja by Mr. Akpabio’s counsel, S.I. Ameh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). According to court documents, the Senate President is demanding the financial compensation, N500 million in litigation costs, a public apology to be published in national newspapers, and a formal retraction of the claims.
In his statement of claim, Mr. Akpabio contends that the allegations caused severe reputational harm, subjecting him to public ridicule. The filing includes a list of witnesses who attested that the accusations painted the Senate President as a “predator who exploits his position for personal gratification,” further amplifying the alleged damage to his standing as a public figure.
The case faced procedural hurdles, as initial attempts to serve the court processes directly on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were unsuccessful. On November 6, 2025, the court issued an order allowing service through the Clerk to the National Assembly. Reports indicate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged receipt of the suit on December 5, 2025, describing it as a “newly instituted” action on social media, where she expressed readiness to defend herself in court.
This lawsuit escalates tensions between the two senators, which date back to February 2025 when Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan first made the harassment claims. The allegations, made public amid broader discussions on workplace misconduct in political circles, have polarized opinions. Supporters of Mr. Akpabio have dismissed the claims as politically motivated, while advocates for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have called for accountability in alleged abuse of power.
The full statement of claim and witness testimonies are attached to the originating summons, highlight the Senate President’s intent to vigorously pursue vindication. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to file a formal response in court, but her social media post signals a combative stance: “I welcome the legal battle.”
