Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦5 billion lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, accusing him of defamation over several allegedly false and damaging statements made during media interviews in March 2025. The legal battle, which has sparked public interest, involves accusations that Nwaebonyi deliberately sought to harm the reputation of the female senator.
The suit was filed by Senator Natasha’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) M.J. Numa, in response to remarks made by Senator Nwaebonyi on prominent national television stations, including Channels Television and Arise News TV. Natasha’s team contends that the statements made by Nwaebonyi were not only false but also malicious, intended to tarnish her public image and character.
One of the key allegations in the lawsuit revolves around an interview Nwaebonyi gave on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025. During the interview, Nwaebonyi reportedly described Senator Natasha as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer.” These comments, according to the claimant’s legal team, were damaging and false, aiming to destroy Natasha’s credibility as a public figure. The legal documents describe the statements as a direct attack on her personal and professional integrity.
In addition to the Channels TV interview, the lawsuit also references another interview Nwaebonyi gave on Arise News TV on March 3, 2025. In this interview, Nwaebonyi allegedly accused Senator Natasha of being “a mother of six from different men,” a statement that the claimant’s legal team argues was intentionally made to defame her and question her character. The claim also highlights the significance of these remarks, especially given Natasha’s status as a prominent female politician.
The lawsuit further points to a video published on YouTube by News Central TV on March 27, 2025, in which Nwaebonyi allegedly accused Senator Natasha of entering into her marriage through blackmail. He also reportedly claimed that Natasha had once demanded ₦10 billion from her husband. The same video allegedly contained accusations that Natasha had falsely accused a former presidential aide of sexual harassment.
Senator Natasha’s legal team argues that these statements were not only untrue but also calculated to cause serious harm to her public image and emotional well-being. The lawsuit states that the false remarks have caused the claimant “considerable distress, reputational harm, embarrassment, and emotional distress.”
As a result of these alleged defamatory statements, Senator Natasha is seeking ₦5 billion in damages. The amount is intended as compensation for the harm caused to her reputation and public standing, which she argues has been severely affected by the false accusations. In addition to the financial compensation, Natasha’s legal team is demanding a retraction of the statements made by Nwaebonyi and a public apology to be published in national newspapers and other media outlets within seven days of the court’s judgment.
Senator Natasha is also asking the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, which would prevent Senator Nwaebonyi and his associates from making further defamatory comments about her in the future. This order, if granted, would serve to protect her from any future harm to her reputation by preventing the continued spread of false statements.
The lawsuit filed by Senator Natasha highlights the increasing prevalence of defamation cases in Nigerian politics, where public figures are often targets of damaging statements that can undermine their careers. Defamation laws in Nigeria are designed to protect individuals from false and harmful statements that can negatively impact their personal and professional lives. In this case, Senator Natasha is relying on the court to determine whether Senator Nwaebonyi’s statements were defamatory and to seek justice for the harm she believes she has suffered.
Public defamation cases often attract significant attention, especially when high-profile individuals are involved. The outcome of this case could have implications not just for Natasha but also for the broader political landscape, as it highlights the ongoing tension between politicians and the use of public media platforms for personal attacks.
Should the court find in favour of Senator Natasha, it could set a precedent for similar cases in Nigerian politics, where public figures have sought legal recourse for defamation. On the other hand, if Nwaebonyi successfully defends himself, it could reinforce the challenges that individuals face when seeking to protect their reputations from potentially harmful statements made in public forums.
The case has generated significant media interest, with both supporters of Senator Natasha and those backing Senator Nwaebonyi watching closely. Some view the lawsuit as a necessary step in protecting the integrity of public figures, while others believe that it is a reflection of the growing animosity between political factions in Nigeria.
For Senator Natasha, the lawsuit represents more than just a financial claim. It is a battle to defend her name and her position in Nigerian politics. As a female senator in a male-dominated political environment, Natasha’s case may also draw attention to the challenges faced by women in politics, especially when they are targeted by defamatory statements intended to undermine their credibility.
