Akpabio Sues Natasha Akpoti for N200bn Over Sexual Harassment Claims

Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, announced on December 5, 2025, that she has received a N200 billion defamation lawsuit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio over her sexual harassment accusations against him. She views the legal action as a vital opportunity to substantiate her claims in court, after the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges declined to hear her petition, citing a related defamation case filed by Akpabio’s wife. Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that Senate rules had previously barred her from pursuing court action without first approaching the committee—the same body that recommended her earlier suspension.

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The dispute traces back to December 2023, when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged Akpabio made inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence with her husband, linking political favors to sexual demands. Akpabio has denied these claims, calling them traumatizing, while the Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and imposed a six-month suspension on her in March 2025, igniting protests from women’s rights groups over perceived silencing of harassment victims. This latest suit revives the saga, following earlier cross-litigations, including Akpoti-Uduaghan’s February 2025 N100 billion defamation claim against Akpabio and his aide over social media posts mocking her attire, and a court fining her N5 million for contempt in July 2025.​

Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed determination, posting: “See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” framing the lawsuit as her chance to detail unprovoked attacks triggered by rejecting his alleged demands. The case underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s National Assembly, raising questions about accountability, gender dynamics, and due process in handling such complaints. Legal proceedings could further strain Senate leadership amid public scrutiny.