Senator Natasha Files N5.1 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Senator Nwaebonyi

Suspended Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has filed a N5.1 billion lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi for alleged defamation. The suit, filed on April 7, 2025, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, seeks a series of declarations and damages over statements made by Senator Nwaebonyi during televised interviews and online videos.

Through her legal team led by Michael Jonathan Numa SAN, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan contends that Nwaebonyi, during a March 6 appearance on Channels TV’s *Sunrise Daily*, described her as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer.” She claims the statements are false, malicious, and defamatory, and have caused significant harm to her reputation and standing in public view.

The lawsuit also cites a March 3 interview on Arise News where Nwaebonyi allegedly stated she was “a mother of six from different men.” Further comments included in YouTube videos from News Central TV and other platforms are also being challenged. Among the statements highlighted are accusations that her current marriage was a result of blackmail and that she falsely accused Reno Omokri of sexual harassment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that these remarks, broadcast to a wide audience, are not protected under freedom of speech and instead amount to personal attacks aimed at damaging her character. She seeks a declaration that the statements are defamatory, an apology published in national newspapers, and a court order restraining Senator Nwaebonyi from making further defamatory remarks.

In addition to the requested N5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, she is also asking the court to award N100 million as the cost of the action and post-judgment interest at 10 percent per annum until full payment is made.