Two separate High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory have issued summons to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, following lawsuits filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and violation of her fundamental human rights.
Case Against Akpabio
In suit number FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the writ of summons, statement of claim, and other legal documents to Akpabio personally, as well as in his capacity as Senate President.
Also to be served are Mfon Patrick, Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Justice Kutigi scheduled June 9, 2025, for the report of service of the court documents. The motion (No: M/6603/2025) was moved by U.J. Udoh, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and supported by a six-paragraph affidavit sworn by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates.
Case Against Nwaebonyi
In a separate suit, FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka approved substituted service of court documents on Senator Nwaebonyi. The ex parte motion, filed on May 10, was moved by Michael J. Numa (SAN), counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and backed by an eight-paragraph affidavit and a written address.
The matter has been adjourned to June 25, 2025, for the report of service.
Akpoti-Uduaghan previously filed a ₦5 billion defamation suit against Nwaebonyi over remarks made during a March 6 appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme. Nwaebonyi allegedly claimed she had six children from different men, called her a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “blackmailer,” and further alleged that her husband Emmanuel Uduaghan married her under duress.
Her legal team maintains the statements were false, damaging, and intended to justify her suspension from the Senate and sway public opinion against her petition before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions.
Allegations Against Akpabio and Aide
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, and alleged that his aide defamed her character. She is seeking:
- ₦100 billion in general damages
- ₦300 million in litigation costs
Her lawsuit also includes a request for a perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi and any associates from publishing or promoting defamatory content about her.
Background
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate over an incident described as “gross misconduct” related to a dispute over seating arrangements. However, she maintains that her suspension was retaliation for her sexual harassment claim against Senate President Akpabio.
