Tell Natasha to delete mock apology, Akpabio begs Abuja court

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete a satirical apology she posted on her social media platforms.

On April 27, Akpoti-Uduaghan  mockingly apologised to Akpabio on her Facebook page, claiming it was for not allowing him to have his way with her.

She further said she was “sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect,” and added that she had declined the advances of Akpabio, implying he saw himself as someone who should not be refused.

The disagreement between the two lawmakers originated from a clash over seating arrangements within the Senate chamber. This escalated into a legal battle, with Akpoti-Uduaghan filing a suit to block any investigation against her by the Senate.

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She specifically asked the court to bar the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions—chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen—from taking disciplinary steps against her.

Following her public allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, the Senate moved to suspend her.
Justice Binta Nyako, who is presiding over the case, had earlier issued a restraining order on April 4, 2025, prohibiting all parties from making public remarks concerning the ongoing legal matter.

Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan went ahead with the video post, prompting Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, to file a fresh application.

In the court filing, Ogunwumiju argued that the video contravened the judge’s earlier directive and requested that the court direct Akpoti-Uduaghan to remove the video from all her social media accounts.

He also urged the court to compel her to publish a written apology in no fewer than two national newspapers and to swear an affidavit affirming compliance with the court’s instructions.