Suspended Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial district, has initiated legal action against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, seeking N5.1 billion in damages for alleged defamation. The suit, No: CV/1359/25, was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on April 7, 2025.
Basis of the Lawsuit
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that Nwaebonyi made defamatory statements about her during a Channels TV Sunrise Daily program on March 6, 2025, falsely branding her as a "gold digger," "habitual liar," and "habitual blackmailer." She contends that these statements are false, malicious, and have caused significant harm to her reputation, leading to considerable distress and embarrassment.
Allegations of False Statements on Arise News TV
In addition to the Channels TV appearance, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that Nwaebonyi made further defamatory statements on Arise News TV on March 3, 2025, accusing her of being "a mother of six from different men." She claims that this statement, along with other remarks made by Nwaebonyi, has injured her character and reputation.
Reliefs Sought
Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking several reliefs from the court, including:
- A declaration that Nwaebonyi's statements are false, malicious, and defamatory.
- A declaration that the statements do not constitute a valid exercise of freedom of speech.
- A perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi from further publishing defamatory words concerning her.
- An order compelling Nwaebonyi to retract the defamatory words on the same platforms used to make the publications and tender an unreserved apology in national newspapers.
- An order awarding N5 billion in damages for the false and injurious statements.
- Cost of the action assessed at N100,000,000.00.
This lawsuit follows Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension from the Senate. The legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions and disputes within Nigeria's political landscape.
