Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has initiated a N₦5.1 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, accusing him of making damaging and false statements that have tarnished her reputation.
The lawsuit, filed under case number CV/1359/25 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was submitted on April 7, 2025, by her legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael Jonathan Numa.
According to court documents, Senator Natasha is seeking judicial redress for statements allegedly made by Senator Nwaebonyi during a March 6, 2025 appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily.” During the program, Nwaebonyi allegedly referred to her as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer”—remarks which Natasha’s legal team describe as “false, malicious, and defamatory.”
The claim outlines that these comments caused her emotional distress, public embarrassment, and a severe dent in her reputation, both in her personal life and political career.
The lawsuit further references statements made by Senator Nwaebonyi during a separate interview on Arise News on March 3, 2025, in which he allegedly accused her of being “a mother of six from different men.” Senator Natasha claims this statement was intended to ridicule and degrade her in the eyes of the public.
Also cited in the suit are excerpts from widely circulated videos, including a YouTube clip where the Defendant allegedly mocked her political ambition, saying: “This woman is spoiling the game for women who want to enter politics. Are you the only woman in Nigeria, Senator Natasha? What is wrong with you?”
In another segment referenced by her legal team, Nwaebonyi reportedly stated that her husband married her “under duress,” claiming she demanded either ₦10 billion or marriage. He further accused her of threatening legal action against prominent individuals, including allegations that she falsely accused Reno Omokri of sexual harassment during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Senator Natasha’s lawsuit seeks multiple declarations from the court, including that:
- The Defendant’s statements were false, defamatory, and made with malicious intent;
- The remarks do not constitute valid freedom of speech;
- The statements exposed her to public ridicule and contempt, both nationally and internationally.
She is also requesting:
- A perpetual injunction restraining Senator Nwaebonyi and his affiliates from making or publishing any further defamatory remarks;
- A compelled public retraction and unreserved apology published in at least two widely circulated national newspapers;
- An award of ₦5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages;
- ₦100 million to cover the cost of legal proceedings;
- Post-judgment interest on the awarded sum at 10% per annum until fully paid.
This lawsuit marks a significant legal confrontation between two members of Nigeria’s National Assembly, highlighting the broader implications of speech, accountability, and the reputational risks of public discourse.
