Unoma Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has initiated legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja. The lawsuits, filed separately, center on allegations of defamation and violation of fundamental human rights.
The legal dispute stems from recent statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate. She alleged that her challenges in the Senate began after she refused to engage in a sexual relationship with the Senate President.
In the first case (Suit No: CV/814/25), which focuses on the violation of fundamental rights, Mrs. Akpabio claims that the senator’s statements were false and scandalous, causing emotional distress to her and her children. She argues that the allegations have left her family in fear for their safety and seeks a court declaration affirming that her right to dignity, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, has been violated.
Additionally, Mrs. Akpabio is demanding ₦250 billion in damages and a perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further allegations.
In a separate defamation case (Suit No: CV/816/25), she challenges the senator’s claim that her husband made inappropriate advances. Describing the allegations as false, malicious, and damaging to her family’s reputation, she seeks ₦1 billion in damages. Furthermore, she is requesting a court order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a public apology in two national newspapers, The Guardian and ThisDay.
“The allegations have caused untold pain and emotional trauma to me and my family,” Mrs. Akpabio stated in the suit.
The court has yet to schedule a hearing for the cases.
The conflict between both lawmakers traces back to a dispute over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seating arrangement in the Senate chamber. She reportedly protested the sudden change to her seat, leading to a brief disruption during a plenary session. The Senate subsequently referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, for further investigation.
