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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of spreading damaging sexual harassment allegations against him.
According to court documents, Akpabio claims Akpoti’s interviews on televisions, radios, and across digital platforms were part of a “malicious and calculated smear campaign” that subjected him to “national humiliation, ridicule, and grave reputational injury.”
The Senate President is seeking sweeping court orders including financial compensation, removal of all online publications carrying the allegations, and repeated public apologies in the media.
With earlier attempts to serve the lawmaker unsuccessful, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted substituted service on November 6, 2025, directing that the suit be delivered through the Clerk of the National Assembly, clearing the way for the case to proceed.
Reacting on Friday, Senator Natasha Akpoti confirmed receipt of the lawsuit, calling it an overdue opportunity to finally present her evidence. She noted that her earlier petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges was blocked on the grounds that the matter was already before a court, leaving her without a platform to present her claims.
“I’m ready to prove everything,” she said, insisting she was sexually harassed and punished for rejecting advances that led to “sustained political intimidation and retaliation.” Her message to the Senate President was direct: “See you in court, Godswill Akpabio.”
The unfolding case has triggered nationwide attention and is expected to challenge not just the credibility of the two legislators but the ability of Nigeria’s political and judicial systems to address sexual misconduct allegations involving powerful office holders. As both sides prepare witnesses, documents, and media evidence, the spotlight now turns to the FCT High Court, where one of the most anticipated political legal battles in recent years is set to begin.