Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Sues Nwaebonyi for N5 Billion Over Defamation

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against her colleague, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, for allegedly making false and malicious statements about her. The lawsuit, filed on April 7, 2025, claims Nwaebonyi’s comments on Channels TV’s “Sunrise Daily” program and other platforms severely damaged her reputation.

Alleged Defamatory Statements
Nwaebonyi allegedly referred to Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer” during a televised interview. He also claimed she had six children with different men and that her husband married her under duress. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers argue these statements were meant to discredit her and justify her suspension from the Senate.

Demands and Relief Sought
Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking :
– Perpetual Injunction: Restraining Nwaebonyi from further publishing defamatory statements
– Retraction and Apology: Compelling Nwaebonyi to retract the statements and issue an apology on the same platforms
– Damages: N5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages for reputational harm, emotional distress, and embarrassment
– Post-Judgment Interest: 10% per annum interest on the judgment sum until fully paid

Background
Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently on a six-month suspension, maintains that Nwaebonyi’s claims are baseless and malicious. She asserts that her characterization as a mother of six from different men is reckless and damaging to her reputation. The case is yet to be scheduled for hearing.