Suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a N5 billion lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi State, accusing him of defamation over a series of damaging remarks made during national television interviews in March 2025.
Filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the suit, led by her legal counsel M.J. Numa (SAN), alleges that Nwaebonyi made false and malicious claims about her character during interviews on Channels Television, Arise News, and other platforms.
“Gold Digger” and “Blackmailer” Allegations Spark Legal Fire
Among the statements cited in the lawsuit, Akpoti-Uduaghan said Nwaebonyi described her as a “gold digger,” a “habitual liar,” and a “habitual blackmailer” during a March 6 appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily. She further claims that in an earlier interview with Arise News on March 3, Nwaebonyi falsely alleged that she had six children from different fathers.
The suit also references a March 27 video published by News Central TV, where the Ebonyi senator reportedly claimed that her marriage was the result of blackmail and alleged she had demanded N10 billion from her husband. He also accused her of sexually harassing a former presidential aide.
Public Image at Stake, Senator Demands Damages
“These allegations are not only false but were made with the intent to destroy my public image and credibility,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated in the suit, adding that the defamatory remarks have caused her significant emotional and reputational damage.
She is demanding N5 billion in damages, a public retraction, and a formal apology to be published in national dailies. Additionally, she is asking the court for a perpetual injunction to prevent further defamatory statements from Nwaebonyi or his associates.
Court Yet to Fix Hearing Date
As of press time, the court has not fixed a hearing date, but the defendant is expected to respond within 21 days of receiving the legal notice.
