Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly instituted a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment made against him.
Although official court filings have not yet been publicly released at press time, sources familiar with the development say the suit was lodged at a Federal High Court in Abuja, with Akpabio seeking extensive damages over what he describes as “malicious and unfounded claims” capable of injuring his reputation and office.
The lawsuit is said to stem from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public allegations that the Senate President sexually harassed her—claims that have triggered national debate and deepened political tensions within the National Assembly.
Akpabio, according to the report, maintains that the allegations were fabricated with the intent to tarnish his image and undermine his leadership, insisting that he has suffered “irreparable reputational harm” as a result.
This latest legal move adds a fresh twist to the long-running feud between both lawmakers, which has already seen multiple suits and counter-suits filed in various courts. Prior to this development, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, had filed separate defamation actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking a combined ₦350 billion in damages.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, on her part, has also instituted her own defamation suit against the Senate President, seeking ₦100 billion and claiming that Akpabio and his aides orchestrated a campaign to discredit her following her allegations.
As tensions escalate, legal analysts say the unfolding court battles may set a significant precedent for how allegations against high-ranking public officials are addressed within Nigeria’s judicial and political frameworks.
