Two separate High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory have summoned Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi following legal action initiated by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of defamation, sexual harassment, and violations of her fundamental human rights.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate approached the courts to seek redress against what she describes as a coordinated assault on her dignity and reputation by her colleagues.
In one of the suits, marked FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve Senator Akpabio with court documents, both in his personal capacity and as Senate President. The summons includes hearing notices and other related processes.
Also named in the suit are Mr. Mfon Patrick, a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, and the Clerk of the National Assembly. The court scheduled June 9, 2025, for a report on the service of the documents.
The ruling followed an ex parte motion, No. M/6603/2025, filed by U.J. Udoh, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and supported by a six-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates.
In a related suit, No. FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka also granted permission for substituted service of court documents on Senator Nwaebonyi. The application was filed on May 10, 2025, and supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit. It was argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael J. Numa. The matter has been adjourned to June 25, 2025, for further hearing.
In addition to the rights violation claims, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Nwaebonyi. The suit centres on remarks he made during a live appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025.