Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a N200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment she made earlier in the year.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Friday, attaching the court documents marked FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025 before Justice U. P. Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
According to her, the lawsuit gives her an opportunity to present her account before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which previously declined to hear her petition.
In the suit, Senator Akpabio is seeking N200 billion in damages and N500 million as litigation cost, as well as retractions and public apologies in national newspapers.
He said the allegation harmed his reputation and exposed him to public ridicule.
The court had earlier granted an order for substituted service on November 6 after bailiffs were unable to serve Akpoti-Uduaghan directly.
The documents were then routed through the clerk to the National Assembly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed receiving the suit, saying she is prepared for trial.
“I now have a chance to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to give in to his demands triggered attacks on my person. See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” she wrote.
The dispute between both lawmakers dates back to February 20 during a plenary session where they disagreed over the relocation of her seat.
The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.
While the committee reviewed the case, Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on Arise Television on February 28, where she alleged that Akpabio sexually harassed her during a December 8, 2023 visit to his residence in Uyo.
She also alleged that Akpabio once suggested she should “take care of him” for her motions to get favourable consideration on the Senate floor.
The allegation drew national and international reactions, including from the International Parliamentary Union.
Godswill Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, later filed a separate N350 billion lawsuit against her.
On March 6, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months over alleged misconduct relating to the February 20 plenary session.
Although her suspension expired in September, she resumed after resolving administrative issues, including the reopening of her office by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
