The Federal Government has brought a five‑count criminal defamation charge (CR/547/2025) against , alleging he carried out a “sustained media smear campaign” against of Kogi Central.
Filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja by the Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation, the charge sheet dated 11 September 2025 claims that between 3 March and 29 March 2025, Nwebonyi made multiple disparaging statements on national television and online platforms.
According to prosecutors, the senator used outlets including and to describe Akpoti‑Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser,” “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon,” and “a mother of six from different men,” among other remarks.
The FG contends these were made with knowledge, or having reason to believe, that they would harm her reputation.
If convicted under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 (Laws of the FCT), Nwebonyi could face imprisonment, a fine, or both.
A senior official at the Ministry of Justice described the prosecution as “a necessary step to protect the integrity of public discourse. Freedom of expression cannot be a weapon of destruction.”
Legal analysts believe the case may set a landmark precedent, testing whether political figures can be held criminally accountable for defamatory statements made in the course of political discourse.
Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan has not issued a public comment on the matter, though her aides describe her as “calm and confident in the justice process.”
