JUST IN: Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the withdrawal of all defamation lawsuits he filed against several individuals, saying the decision followed a message he received during a New Year Mass.

Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said he had instituted nearly nine defamation cases over statements he believed damaged his reputation.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” he said. “But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio filed multiple defamation suits, including a high-profile case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Late in the year, he sued her for N200 billion over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and asked her to prove in court.

Earlier in 2025, Akpabio’s wife also filed separate defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that claims made against the family had harmed their reputation.

Tensions between the two lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct. She later challenged the suspension and filed a N100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others over statements she said damaged her reputation.