By Olamilekan Abayomi
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, after she publicly accused him of sexual harassment earlier this year. The suit, which seeks hefty damages, a public retraction and a nationwide broadcast apology, was lodged at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
According to court documents, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate S.I. Ameh, filed the case on 25 August 2025, claiming that Natasha’s statements—aired on TV, radio and online—painted him as a “predator” who exploits his office, causing severe reputational harm and public ridicule.
The court initially struggled to serve Natasha directly, so on 6 November 2025 it granted an order allowing service through the Clerk of the National Assembly, deeming that method “good and proper” after bailiffs failed to locate her.
Natasha, who confirmed receipt of the papers on 5 December 2025, said the lawsuit gives her the platform she was denied by the Senate Ethics Committee, and she’s ready to prove the harassment allegations in court. She posted on social media, “See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” signaling a combative stance.
The feud traces back to February 2025 when Natasha first alleged unwanted advances, leading to a heated plenary exchange, her suspension for six months, and a series of counter‑lawsuits involving Akpabio’s wife. Observers note the case could set a precedent for how sexual‑harassment claims are handled in Nigeria’s political arena.
The matter has been adjourned to 21 January 2026 for further proceedings, and both sides appear prepared for a lengthy legal battle that will likely keep the nation’s attention focused on the Senate’s internal dynamics.
