NEWS LEVERAGE

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, has taken legal action against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the representative for Ebonyi North Central and Senate Deputy Chief Whip, for defamation and causing her emotional distress. Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit worth N5 billion, citing significant harm to her reputation following malicious statements made by Nwaebonyi.

In the lawsuit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 7, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Nwaebonyi of damaging her public image and causing her considerable embarrassment. The statements in question were made during a televised interview on Channels TV’s “Sunrise Daily” program on March 6, 2025. During the interview, Nwaebonyi falsely referred to her as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer,” among other defamatory remarks.

The senator also alleged that Nwaebonyi made additional false claims, including accusations that she had six children by different men and that her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, had married her under duress. Akpoti-Uduaghan contended that these statements were broadcast widely across television and social media platforms, ensuring their extensive circulation and damaging her reputation.

Represented by her lawyer, M.J. Numa (SAN), Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that the defamatory statements were designed to portray her in a highly negative light. She claimed the comments were intended to falsely depict her as a dishonest, manipulative individual who extorts money from others through deceitful means. Furthermore, the lawsuit argued that these statements were made with the intent to discredit her in connection with her petition before the Senate and other related matters.

The senator maintained that Nwaebonyi, as a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, had made these damaging remarks to sway public opinion against her. She emphasized that the statements were not only false but were made with the malicious intent to harm her reputation and standing.

In light of the significant distress and damage to her public image, Akpoti-Uduaghan has sought a court order to prevent further defamation. She is requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain Nwaebonyi and anyone associated with him from publishing similar defamatory statements in the future. Additionally, the senator is seeking N5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages to compensate for the emotional and reputational harm caused by the false and malicious statements.

The lawsuit highlights the growing tension between the two lawmakers and underscores the serious consequences of public defamation in Nigerian politics.