Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has reacted to the ₦200billion defamation case filed against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying she is prepared to face him in court and present the allegations she previously made public. She confirmed receiving official notice of the suit on December 5, 2025. The case, marked FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025, was filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and is being handled by Justice U. P. Kekemeke. The matter has been adjourned to January 21, 2026.
The suit stems from Natasha’s allegation that Akpabio sexually harassed her. She said the Senate President approached the court through an ex parte motion, which accuses her of damaging his reputation with the claim. Natasha noted that the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate, which should have heard her complaint, refused to give her a chance to speak because of an earlier case filed by Akpabio’s wife.
She explained that Senate rules prevented her from going to court earlier, since she was required to present her case before the same Ethics Committee that had once pushed for her suspension. She said the new lawsuit now gives her the opening to lay out the details of her allegation and explain the events she believes followed her refusal to comply with Akpabio’s demands.
Documents from the court show that Akpabio asked for permission to serve Natasha through substituted means. The request asked the judge to allow the service of all court papers through the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly in Abuja. Justice Kekemeke granted the request, allowing the claimant to deliver all documents through the Clerk’s office.
The suit includes a motion that supports Akpabio’s claim that Natasha’s statements affected his reputation. The court approved the method of service and allowed all further notices in the matter to be delivered through the same channel.
The case will continue when the court resumes in January.