By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Senator Natasha Responds as Senate President Akpabio Files ₦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 her public claim accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The senator revealed on Friday that she received formal notification of the suit, dated December 5, 2025, and filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, under Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the case was brought via an ex parte motion, alleging that she defamed the Senate President by making the sexual harassment accusation. The matter is currently before Hon. Justice U. P. Kekemeke and has been adjourned to January 21, 2026.
In a statement shared on Friday, Senator Natasha expressed readiness for the legal proceedings, adding that the lawsuit now provides her the opportunity she was denied by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which had refused to hear her complaints earlier.
“Today, December 5, 2025, I received notice of the ₦200 billion defamation suit filed against me by Senator Godswill Akpabio. I welcome this because the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges declined to hear my case, citing an ongoing suit filed by Akpabio’s wife against me,” she said.
She explained that Senate rules previously prevented her from taking the matter to court, as she was required to first present her case to the Ethics Committee — the same committee that recommended her suspension.
“Now, I have the chance to fully present my allegations in court. I intend to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to comply with his demands led to a series of attacks against me. See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” she added.
Court documents seen by SaharaReporters indicate that Akpabio sought and was granted permission to serve court papers to Senator Natasha via substituted service through the Clerk of the National Assembly in Abuja.
The suit, supported by Motion No. M/12725/2025, centers on Akpabio’s claim that Natasha’s public statements harmed his reputation.
The court granted the application allowing delivery of all case documents to the Clerk’s office as proper service.
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