Akpabio’s wife sues Senator Natasha, demands N250bn over sexual harassment allegations

Unoma Godswill Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has initiated multiple lawsuits against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment leveled against her husband.

Mrs. Akpabio filed fundamental rights and defamation suits at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, challenging Natasha’s claims and seeking N250 billion in damages.

The controversy erupted after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of victimizing her for allegedly rejecting his sexual advances. She recounted instances where he purportedly made inappropriate overtures, even in the presence of her husband.

Dismissing these allegations, Mrs. Akpabio described them as false and self-serving, vowing to take legal action against the senator. Speaking at a press conference, she criticized Natasha for allegedly fabricating claims for personal gain.

Legal Actions and Demands

Fundamental Rights Suit (Suit No: CV/814/25)
Filed under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 4 & 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Mrs. Akpabio seeks:

1. A declaration that Natasha’s allegations, made in the Senate on February 20, 2025, and subsequently on Arise News TV, violate Mrs. Akpabio’s fundamental rights, causing emotional and psychological distress to her and her children.

2. A perpetual injunction restraining Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further statements deemed inciteful, scandalous, or harmful.

3. An award of N250 billion as exemplary, punitive, and general damages for the alleged infringement of Mrs. Akpabio’s rights.

Defamation Suit (Suit No: CV/816/25)
Additionally, Mrs. Akpabio filed a separate defamation lawsuit, arguing that Natasha’s public statements have irreparably damaged her family’s reputation. She seeks:

1. A declaration that Natasha’s claims on national television were defamatory and have brought her family into disrepute.

2. A court order compelling Natasha to issue a formal retraction and an unconditional apology, to be published in The Guardian and This Day newspapers.

3. An award of N1 billion in damages for the reputational harm caused.

4. A perpetual injunction preventing Natasha from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.