Two separate High Courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have issued summons to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi in response to allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and violation of fundamental rights filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In suit No: FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the Writ of Summons, Statement of Claim, and all subsequent court processes, including Hearing Notices, to Akpabio in his capacity as Senate President.
Additionally, the court ordered service on Mr. Mfon Patrick, Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The matter has been adjourned to June 9, 2025, for a report on the service of the summons.
In a separate suit, FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the Writ of Summons and accompanying processes by substituted means on Senator Nwaebonyi.
This decision followed the consideration of an ex parte application dated May 10, 2025. The case has been adjourned to June 25, 2025.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nwaebonyi over claims that she bore six children for different men.
She has also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that his aide defamed her character.
Among other reliefs, she seeks a court order for a perpetual injunction, restraining the defendant, his associates, agents, and others from further publishing or causing the publication of the defamatory statements or any other damaging words about her.
