By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Senator Natasha Akpoti Responds to Akpabio’s ₦200 Billion Defamation Suit
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has officially responded to the ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit filed against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suit stems from Akpoti’s public allegation accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The senator disclosed on Friday that she received formal court papers dated December 5, 2025, relating to Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The case was filed through an ex parte motion and is currently before Honorable Justice U. P. Kekemeke, with the next hearing set for January 21, 2026.
Akpoti said the legal action offers her a long-awaited opportunity to present her side of the story after being denied a proper hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
According to her, the committee had refused to investigate her claims because a related lawsuit had already been initiated by Akpabio’s wife, leaving her without a platform to pursue justice within the Senate.
She explained that Senate rules prevented her from taking the matter to court earlier, as she was expected to present her case first before the same Ethics Committee, which had also recommended here suspension. Now, with the case before the court, Akpoti declared her readiness to fully lay bare her allegations.
“I am prepared to demonstrate how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to comply with inappropriate demands resulted in relentless attacks against me,” Akpoti said in a statement. “This court case is finally the platform I have been waiting for. See you in court, Senator Akpabio.”
Court documents seen by SaharaReporters reveal that Akpabio’s legal team requested and obtained permission to serve court papers on Akpoti via the Clerk of the National Assembly, a move approved by Justice Kekemeke.
The lawsuit contends that Akpoti’s accusations have seriously damaged Akpabio’s reputation. The case is set to be heard in early 2026, as both parties prepare for a highly anticipated legal showdown.
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