Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has initiated a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, setting the stage for a significant political and legal confrontation. Akpabio’s suit comes in response to allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Akpoti-Uduaghan in recent media interviews and public statements.

In court filings submitted to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Akpabio claims that the senator’s accusations have caused him public hatred, contempt, and ridicule, portraying him as a “sexual predator” and an abuser of his office. He argues that the widespread dissemination of these allegations has inflicted substantial emotional distress and potentially damaged his political and social standing.

The Senate President is seeking extensive remedies, including ₦200 billion in damages, public retractions, and nationwide broadcast apologies, as well as a judicial affirmation that the allegations are defamatory. The court has allowed for substituted service, permitting the legal documents to be delivered through the Clerk of the National Assembly after initial attempts to serve them directly to Akpoti-Uduaghan failed.

In a robust rebuttal, Akpoti-Uduaghan has welcomed the lawsuit, asserting that it provides her with an opportunity to present evidence that she claims has been stifled within the Senate. She expressed frustration that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges had previously denied her a hearing, citing the ongoing legal matters as the reason for their refusal. “I now have a chance to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to give into his demands unleashed a series of unprecedented attacks on my person,” she said, adding, “See you in court, Godswill Akpabio.”