The wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, has filed multiple lawsuits against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over allegations of sexual harassment leveled against her husband, Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio is seeking a total of N251 billion in damages in two separate lawsuits filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court—one for fundamental rights violation and another for defamation.
Background of the Dispute
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that Senate President Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her and was victimizing her in the Senate after she refused them—even in the presence of her husband.
Dismissing the claims, Mrs. Akpabio accused the senator of fabricating lies and had earlier threatened legal action before proceeding with the lawsuits.
Details of the Lawsuits
1. Fundamental Rights Violation (Suit No: CV/814/25)
Mrs. Akpabio argues that the accusations violate her fundamental rights under:
✅ Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution
✅ The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
✅ The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015
She is demanding:
🔹 A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements, made on the Senate floor and on Arise News TV, violated her rights.
🔹 A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further “scandalous and inciteful” statements.
🔹 N250 billion in damages for the alleged infringement on her rights and the emotional distress caused to her and her children.
2. Defamation Lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25)
In this suit, Mrs. Akpabio claims the senator’s allegations have tarnished her family’s reputation. She seeks:
🔸 A court declaration that the statements were defamatory.
🔸 A public retraction and apology, to be published in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers.
🔸 N1 billion in damages for harm caused to her family’s reputation.
🔸 A perpetual injunction stopping Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements.
Public Reactions
The lawsuits have triggered widespread debate, with political analysts watching how the case will unfold. The legal battle also raises questions about gender politics, power struggles, and media accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape.
