In an assertive step to protect her name and integrity, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, demanding N5 billion in damages.
The legal action, which was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 7, 2025, comes after Nwebonyi’s controversial remarks during a March 6 interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily program.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Michael Jonathan Numa, is accusing Nwebonyi of spreading harmful and unsubstantiated allegations that have severely damaged her reputation. In the interview, Nwebonyi labeled the senator a “gold digger,” a “habitual liar,” and a “habitual blackmailer,” claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan vehemently denies, describing them as malicious fabrications intended to harm her.
The senator’s legal suit outlines that these defamatory statements have caused her significant emotional distress and public humiliation. She argues that the false accusations were aimed at eroding her standing in the public eye, particularly among her supporters, and tarnishing her credibility as a prominent advocate for women in politics.
One of the most damaging allegations made by Nwebonyi was that Akpoti-Uduaghan is a “mother of six from different men,” a claim she strongly refutes. Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that she has four children from two previous marriages, directly disproving the accusation. Furthermore, she also rejected an insinuation made by Nwebonyi that she coerced her current husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, into marriage under duress, stressing that their marriage is based on mutual respect and love.
In her legal request, Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking the following remedies from the court:
A declaration that Nwebonyi’s statements were false, defamatory, and actionable.
A permanent injunction to prevent Nwebonyi and his associates from making further defamatory statements about her.
A public retraction of the defamatory remarks, to be published on the same media platforms where the allegations were made, along with a formal apology in two national newspapers.
N5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages for the distress, emotional harm, and public embarrassment caused by the defamatory statements.
Post-judgment interest of 10% per annum on the awarded damages until fully paid.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has argued that these false and malicious statements go beyond normal political criticism. They are part of an intentional campaign to undermine her integrity and discredit her efforts in championing women’s rights in the political arena. The senator also expressed concern that unless the court intervenes, Nwebonyi could continue to spread harmful falsehoods, further violating her right to a good name.
The lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics, as Akpoti-Uduaghan fights to reclaim her reputation amidst growing tensions within the political sphere. The case underscores the need for accountability and the protection of individuals’ reputations in a country where political discourse is often marked by divisive rhetoric and personal attacks.
As this legal battle unfolds, the senator remains resolute in her mission to defend her honor and continue advocating for transparency and empowerment of women in Nigerian politics.
