Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. Also named in the suit are Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick.
The lawsuit stems from a Facebook post by Patrick, allegedly made at Akpabio’s direction, which mocked Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance and questioned her competence as a lawmaker. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, argues that the statement was defamatory, damaging her reputation and dignity.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking a court declaration that the remarks were defamatory, an injunction preventing further defamatory statements, ₦100 billion in damages, and ₦300 million in legal costs.
The lawsuit follows a recent dispute over her seat reassignment in the Senate, which led to tensions with Akpabio. She has since been referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee over the seating arrangement controversy.
