Natasha sues Senator Nwaebonyi for N5 billion over defamation claims

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has filed a ₦5 billion lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North over alleged defamatory remarks made during a national television broadcast.

The suit, filed on April 7, 2025, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and marked CV/1259/25, accuses Nwaebonyi — who also serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate — of making false, malicious, and damaging statements during a March 6 interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.

During the broadcast, Senator Nwaebonyi allegedly referred to Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “gold digger,” a “habitual liar,” and a “habitual blackmailer.”

He further claimed she had six children by different men and insinuated that her marriage to Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan was entered into under duress.

According to the claimant, the statements were not only broadcast nationwide but also rebroadcast across various online platforms, amplifying their reach and impact.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her legal counsel, M. J. Numa (SAN), maintains that the remarks were made with malicious intent to damage her credibility and reputation, particularly in the wake of her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

She argued that the statements were designed to prejudice the public and fellow lawmakers against her, especially as her petition against Akpabio was under review in the Senate.

Notably, Nwaebonyi is also a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions — a committee central to reviewing her complaints.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking a court order awarding ₦5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages for the emotional distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm caused.

She is also requesting a perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi, his associates, agents, and allies from making or disseminating any further defamatory statements about her.