Senate President Godswill Akpabio has instituted a ₦200 billion defamation suit against Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of making and disseminating allegations that he sexually harassed her.

The lawsuit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), seeks substantial damages, public apologies, and the removal of all online content containing the allegations. Akpabio insists the claims gravely tarnished his reputation and exposed him to widespread public scorn.

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Court Grants Substituted Service

According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters, Akpabio filed an ex parte application in December requesting permission to serve court papers on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through substituted means after earlier attempts at direct service failed.

Justice Kekemeke granted the request, authorising the claimant to deliver the writ of summons, all subsequent filings, and hearing notices to the Clerk of the National Assembly—or any staff in the Clerk’s office—at the Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

The motion, marked M/12725/2025, forms part of Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025, in which the Senate President argues that Senator Akpoti’s public statements inflicted severe reputational harm.

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Allegations and Reliefs Sought

The Statement of Claim includes a list of witnesses and details Akpabio’s accusations that Akpoti-Uduaghan granted televised, radio, and online interviews portraying him as a sexual predator abusing the authority of his office.

Akpabio contends that millions of Nigerians consumed these interviews and reports, resulting in what he describes as immense personal humiliation and emotional distress.

The Senate President is seeking:

• ₦200 billion in damages
• A court order compelling the removal of all online content containing the allegations
• Mandatory public apologies to be broadcast across major media platforms for several consecutive days
• Formal retractions issued nationwide

A court order dated November 6, 2025, had earlier approved the substituted service method after bailiffs were unable to serve the defendant directly.

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A High-Stakes Political Legal Battle

The case is now set to proceed to hearing, with both parties preparing for what analysts predict will become one of the most high-profile defamation cases in Nigeria’s political landscape.