Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has initiated separate lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, alleging defamation and violation of fundamental human rights.
The legal dispute stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent claims that her challenges in the Senate began after she refused to engage in a sexual relationship with the Senate President.
In the first case, a fundamental rights violation suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs. Akpabio accused the Kogi Central senator of making false and damaging statements that caused emotional distress for her and her children, leaving them fearful for their safety.
She urged the court to recognize these statements as an infringement on her dignity, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
As part of her demands, she is seeking ₦250 billion in damages and a perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory remarks.
In a separate defamation case (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio challenged the senator’s allegations regarding her husband’s alleged sexual advances. Describing the claims as malicious and harmful, she asserted that they had tarnished her family’s reputation and exposed them to public ridicule.
She also requested that the court compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a public apology in two national newspapers, The Guardian and ThisDay, in addition to paying ₦1 billion in damages.
“The allegations have caused untold pain and emotional trauma to me and my family,” Mrs. Akpabio stated in the suit.
A court date for both cases is yet to be scheduled.
The conflict between the two lawmakers reportedly began after Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her designated Senate chamber seat had been changed without prior notice.
The Senate subsequently referred the matter to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, for investigation. The committee was given two weeks to submit its findings.
In retaliation, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick.
According to her lawyer, Victor Giwa, the alleged defamatory statement was published on Patrick’s Facebook page under the title, “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” The post accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of viewing the Senate role as an opportunity to showcase fashion and beauty rather than engage in legislative work.
Giwa described the statement as damaging, stating that it had negatively affected his client’s reputation among her colleagues and the public.
The controversy escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, where she reiterated her claims, alleging that some of her colleagues had warned her to accept the seat change as part of a plot against her.
Meanwhile, Unoma Akpabio has strongly denied the allegations against her husband, dismissing them as baseless.
“My husband is a disciplined man who respects women,” she stated.