Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has filed two separate lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, over alleged defamation and violation of fundamental human rights.
The legal action follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent claim that she faced challenges in the Senate after rejecting alleged sexual advances from Akpabio.
The lawsuits were filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
In the first case, marked Suit No: CV/814/25, Mrs. Akpabio accused the senator of making false statements that subjected her and her children to emotional distress and fear for their safety.
She is asking the court to declare the claims a violation of her dignity under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“These false and scandalous statements have caused me and my children untold emotional trauma,” Akpabio stated in court documents.
She is seeking ₦250 billion in compensation and a perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further damaging statements.
In a separate defamation case (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio contested Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations that her husband had made unwanted advances. She described the claims as malicious and damaging to her family’s reputation.
“These baseless accusations have brought my family public shame,” she argued in her filing.
She is demanding ₦1 billion in damages and a public apology published in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers.
The tension between both lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a sudden change to her assigned seat in the Senate chamber.
The matter led to a brief disruption during plenary, prompting the Senate to refer the issue to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South. The committee was given two weeks to investigate.
In response to the lawsuits, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦100 billion defamation suit against Senate President Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, argued that a Facebook post by Patrick defamed her by suggesting she was focused on appearances rather than legislative duties.
“The post was highly defamatory and damaging to her reputation among colleagues and the public,” Giwa stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations and Akpabio’s Response
During an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her claims, alleging that colleagues warned her about a plot against her. She accused the Senate President of inappropriate conduct.
However, Unoma Akpabio dismissed the allegations, calling them unfounded.
“My husband is a disciplined man who respects women,” she said.
