Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Sues Akpabio for 100bn Over Alleged Defamation

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has instituted a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday, also lists Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, as a co-defendant.

Through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging statements made by Akpabio, which were published by Patrick on Facebook. The post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”, included remarks suggesting that the senator believed being a lawmaker was merely about applying makeup and wearing transparent outfits to the chamber.

Giwa argued that these statements were defamatory, derogatory, and damaging to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation among her colleagues and the public.

The lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration that the comments were intended to incite public ridicule and harm the senator’s credibility. Akpoti-Uduaghan is also requesting an order restraining Akpabio, Patrick, and their associates from making further defamatory statements against her.

Additionally, the senator is demanding ₦100 billion in general damages and ₦300 million to cover litigation costs.

Her legal action follows a recent controversy over the reassignment of her Senate seat, which she opposed, leading to a dispute with the Senate President. The clash resulted in her referral to the Senate Disciplinary Committee.