Key Points

• Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a N5bn defamation lawsuit against Senator Nwaebonyi.

• Nwaebonyi allegedly made false claims about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s personal life during a televised interview.

• Akpoti-Uduaghan seeks a public apology, a retraction, and N5 billion in damages.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed a defamation lawsuit worth N5 billion against her colleague, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, for allegedly making false claims about her personal life.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension, accused Nwaebonyi of tarnishing her reputation during a televised interview.

False claims and allegations

During an interview on Channels TV’s “Sunrise Daily” on March 6, 2025, Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Central Senatorial District, made several damaging allegations.

He falsely claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had six children by different men and that her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, married her under duress. Additionally, he described her as a “gold digger,” a “habitual liar,” and a “habitual blackmailer.”

These statements were broadcast nationally and shared widely across social media platforms. Akpoti-Uduaghan has argued that these accusations were made with malicious intent, aiming to damage her public image and credibility.

Legal action and demands

In her lawsuit, Akpoti-Uduaghan contends that these defamatory remarks have caused significant harm to her reputation, causing emotional distress and public embarrassment.

She asked the court to issue a perpetual injunction to prevent further publication of the defamatory statements and to compel Nwaebonyi to retract the claims publicly.

The senator also seeks a public apology to be published in two national newspapers within seven days of the court’s judgment.

She demands N5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, citing the false and malicious nature of the statements.

Aiming for justice and retribution

Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that the allegations were not only baseless but also reckless and malicious.

She stated that her reputation as a woman of integrity in politics had been severely damaged. The senator is adamant that her efforts in politics serve to inspire other women, not undermine their chances in the field.

The court has yet to set a date for the hearing, and Akpoti-Uduaghan remains determined to seek justice for the harm caused.