Senator Natasha Sues Akpabio for ₦100bn Over Alleged Defamation

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦100 billion lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of defamation. The case, submitted to the Federal Capital Territory High Court, also names Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, as a co-defendant.

The lawsuit centers on a Facebook post by Patrick titled, *”Is the local content committee of the Senate Natasha’s birthright?”* In the post, he alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.” The senator’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, described the remarks as defamatory and damaging to her reputation among colleagues and the public.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking a court declaration that the statements were defamatory and an order preventing the defendants or their associates from making similar statements in the future. She is also demanding ₦100 billion in general damages and ₦300 million in litigation costs.

The legal action follows a dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio over a recent Senate seating reassignment. The Kogi senator objected to her seat change, leading to a confrontation with the Senate President. In response, she has been referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee.