Nigeria’s political landscape was thrown into the spotlight on Friday as Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio filed a colossal ₦200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, escalating what promises to be one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent memory.
Court filings allege that Senator Akpoti’s interviews—aired on television, radio, and widely circulated online—amounted to a deliberate smear campaign accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. According to the lawsuit, these statements subjected the Senate President to “national humiliation, ridicule, and grave reputational injury.” Akpabio is demanding sweeping remedies, including financial damages, deletion of all online publications carrying the allegations, and repeated nationwide apologies across media platforms.
Following alleged initial attempts to serve Senator Akpoti failed, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory authorized substituted service through the Clerk of the National Assembly on 6 November 2025, paving the way for the case to move forward.
Responding on Friday, Senator Akpoti confirmed she had received the suit and framed it as a long-awaited opportunity. Previously barred from presenting her petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges—on the grounds that a related matter was already in court—she said she had been denied a proper forum to air her claims.
“I’m ready to prove everything,” she said bluntly. She vowed to demonstrate that she was sexually harassed and that her refusal to comply triggered “sustained political intimidation and retaliation.” Her message to Akpabio was unequivocal: “See you in court, Godswill Akpabio.”
The case, already drawing intense national attention, is expected to test not only the credibility of the two lawmakers but also the Nigerian political system’s capacity to handle sexual misconduct allegations at the highest levels. As preparations for witness testimonies, documents, and media evidence intensify, all eyes now turn to the FCT High Court, where the battle will unfold.
Sexual Harrassment: Akpabio Files ₦200bn Suit as Natasha Vows to ‘Prove Everything’
