“See You in Court”: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Welcomes Legal Battle as Akpabio Files ₦200bn Defamation Suit

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has responded to the ₦200 billion defamation suit filed against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying the courtroom will finally allow her present the evidence she claims the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges refused to hear.

The Kogi Central senator confirmed receiving formal notice of the suit dated December 5, 2025, marked FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025 and filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The case, presided over by Justice U. P. Kekemeke, is scheduled to continue on January 21, 2026.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the action, initiated through an ex parte motion, accuses her of defaming the Senate President by publicly alleging sexual harassment. She stated that she welcomes the opportunity to defend her claims, noting that she previously attempted to bring the matter before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges but was denied a hearing.

She argued that Senate rules prevented her from heading to court earlier, insisting she was required to first lodge her complaint with the same committee that once recommended her suspension. According to her, the new lawsuit now creates the opening to lay out her full account of the alleged misconduct and the fallout that followed.

Court filings indicate that Akpabio sought and obtained permission to serve all court processes on Akpoti-Uduaghan through substituted means, specifically via the Clerk of the National Assembly. The judge granted the request, deeming service through the Clerk’s office valid for the duration of the proceedings.

Akpabio’s suit, accompanied by Motion M/12725/2025, maintains that the senator’s public accusations harmed his reputation and asks the court to recognize the substituted service as proper while the defamation case moves forward.