Key Points

• Akpoti-Uduaghan defends her satirical apology as free speech.

• Akpabio’s legal team seeks removal and a public apology.

• Court set to hear both motions on May 12.

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s request to delete a controversial Facebook post.

The post, which she called a “satirical apology,” criticized Akpabio’s leadership and alluded to misconduct in the Senate.

In a motion filed May 5, Akpabio’s lawyers accused her of violating a court order that banned public commentary on an ongoing legal dispute between the two lawmakers.

The case concerns her suspension from the Senate, following a heated February altercation.

In her counter-affidavit, Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her post as constitutionally protected free speech.

She said it was a symbolic protest against what she described as an unfair and politically motivated suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team says post broke no rules

Her lead counsel, Jubril Okutepa, argued that the senator’s Facebook post did not breach the court’s gag order.

He claimed that Akpabio’s motion aimed to harass and intimidate his client for expressing her views.

“The motion is malicious and intended to scandalize me for exercising my constitutional right to free speech,” Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote in her affidavit.

The satirical apology included jabs at the Senate president, suggesting success under his leadership required submission, not merit.

The post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from the public.

Akpabio’s team wants the court to order her to delete the post, issue a written apology in two national newspapers, and file an affidavit of compliance.

Court to hear both sides of satirical apology row

Justice Binta Nyako, who is presiding over the case, previously barred all parties from speaking publicly about the matter. The judge is expected to rule on both motions when the court reconvenes on May 12.

This dispute follows multiple legal battles between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. She has sued Akpabio and his aide for ₦100 billion in defamation damages and litigation costs.

Meanwhile, Akpabio’s wife filed two separate suits, seeking ₦350 billion in damages for reputational harm.

As the legal war escalates, the senator continues to challenge her suspension and maintain that her satirical apology represents protected political speech.