Natasha: New twist as 2 Abuja courts summon Akpabio, aide, Nwaebonyi

The ongoing legal troubles involving Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has taken a new turn as two  high courts sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Abuja , have independently summoned him and  Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip,  Onyekachi Nwaebonyi.

The summons are in connection to allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and violation of fundamental rights of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/754/2025 before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi of the FCT High Court, Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted leave to serve the Writ of Summons, Statement of Claim, and other court documents directly on Akpabio in his capacity as Senate President.

The Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Mr. Mfon Patrick, and the Clerk of the National Assembly are also to be served.

Justice Kutigi, after hearing an ex-parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, U.J. Udoh Esq., and supported by a six-paragraph affidavit deposed by Hamzat Mogaji, Litigation Manager at Victor Giwa & Associates, scheduled 9th June 2025 for the Report of Service of the summons.

Separately, in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka of the Federal High Court granted Akpoti-Uduaghan leave to serve court processes by substituted means on Senator Nwaebonyi.

The ruling followed consideration of an ex-parte motion dated 10th May 2025, supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Michael J. Numa.

The case involving Nwaebonyi has been adjourned to 25th June 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently suspended from the Senate, had earlier filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nwaebonyi over allegations that she had six children by different men.

In the suit filed by her legal team, led by SAN Michael J. Numa, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the accusations as false and a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation.

She told the court:”Senator Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Central Senatorial District, had severely damaged her reputation, causing her significant emotional distress and subjecting her to public embarrassment and harm to her credibility.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that during a televised interview on Channels TV’s “Sunrise Daily” on 6th March 2025, Nwaebonyi labeled her a “gold digger,” a “habitual liar,” and a “habitual blackmailer,” without any lawful justification.

She further stated:”In addition to the claim about her having six children with different men, Senator Nwaebonyi also alleged that her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, married her under duress.”

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, these remarks were intended to depict her as someone who extorts money through dishonest means, aiming to discredit her and justify her suspension.

She added:”The defendant intentionally made these defamatory statements, fully aware of their falsity, with the aim of discrediting her and justifying her illegal suspension by the Senate.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the defendant, who sits on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, of using these false statements to influence public opinion against her ongoing petition before the Senate.

Among the reliefs sought, Akpoti-Uduaghan is requesting a perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi and associates from further publishing defamatory remarks, as well as damages amounting to N100 billion and N300 million in litigation costs.

Meanwhile, Natasha has accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment and claims his aide defamed her character.

Among other reliefs, she asked the court to compel the aide to pay N100 billion in general damages and N300 million in litigation costs.