In a high-stakes legal showdown that’s rocking Nigeria’s political landscape, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, has taken Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to court. The reason? Explosive sexual harassment allegations Natasha made against her husband. But this isn’t just a legal battle—it’s a clash of reputations, power, and principles, with a jaw-dropping N250 billion on the line. Let’s dive into the drama!
The Allegations That Sparked the Fire
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan dropped a bombshell earlier this year, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. She claimed he made repeated sexual advances toward her, even in the presence of her husband, and alleged that she faced victimization in the Senate after rejecting his overtures.
Natasha didn’t hold back, sharing her story on national television and the Senate floor, turning the spotlight on one of Nigeria’s most powerful men. But her claims didn’t sit well with everyone—especially Mrs. Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio Fights Back
Unoma Akpabio wasn’t about to let these allegations slide. She fired back, calling Natasha’s claims “lies” and accusing her of fabricating the story for personal gain. But she didn’t stop there. Mrs. Akpabio took things to the next level by filing not one, but two lawsuits against Natasha: one for violation of fundamental rights and another for defamation.
In a fiery press conference, Mrs. Akpabio vowed to protect her family’s reputation, warning Natasha to brace herself for a legal storm. And what a storm it is—with a staggering N250 billion in damages at stake!
The Lawsuits: Breaking Down the Details
1. Fundamental Rights Suit (Suit No: CV/814/25)
Mrs. Akpabio is pulling out all the legal stops. She’s arguing that Natasha’s allegations violated her fundamental rights under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. Here’s what she’s asking for:
A declaration that Natasha’s statements were a violation of her rights.
A perpetual injunction to stop Natasha from making further “scandalous and spiteful” statements.
A whopping N250 billion in damages for emotional and psychological harm.
2. Defamation Suit (Suit No: CV/816/25)
This lawsuit is all about protecting the Akpabio family’s reputation. Mrs. Akpabio claims Natasha’s allegations have caused irreparable damage to her family’s name. Her demands include:
A formal retraction and public apology published in two major newspapers (The Guardian and This Day).
N1 billion in punitive damages.
A court order to prevent Natasha from making any further defamatory statements.
Why This Case Matters
This isn’t just a personal feud—it’s a story that touches on bigger issues like gender, power, and accountability in Nigerian politics. Sexual harassment allegations are rarely taken lightly, especially when they involve high-profile figures. But this case also raises questions about the use of defamation lawsuits to silence accusers, a tactic often criticized as a way to intimidate those who speak out.
For Natasha, this is a fight to be heard. For Mrs. Akpabio, it’s a battle to protect her family’s honor. And for the public, it’s a gripping saga that’s impossible to look away from.
What’s Next?
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Will Natasha’s allegations hold up under scrutiny? Or will Mrs. Akpabio’s lawsuits succeed in clearing her husband’s name? One thing’s for sure: this legal battle is far from over, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
