Senator Natasha Files ₦5 Billion Defamation Suit Against Nwaebonyi

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, filing a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The case stems from a series of allegedly false and damaging statements Nwaebonyi made about her during several media appearances in March 2025.

The lawsuit, filed by her legal counsel led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), M.J. Numa, outlines numerous statements the senator believes were aimed at tarnishing her image and reputation. According to the legal team, Nwaebonyi made defamatory remarks on Channels Television and Arise News, accusing Natasha of being a “gold digger,” a “habitual liar,” and a “habitual blackmailer.”

“These statements were not only false but intended to tarnish her public image and reputation,” her legal team argued in court documents.

Another controversial statement came during a March 3, 2025 interview on Arise News, where Nwaebonyi allegedly claimed that Senator Natasha was “a mother of six from different men.” Her lawyers maintain this was a deliberate attempt to damage her integrity, especially as a prominent female figure in Nigerian politics.

The suit also references a video published by News Central TV on YouTube on March 27, 2025. In it, Senator Nwaebonyi reportedly alleged that Natasha’s marriage resulted from blackmail, and further claimed she once demanded ₦10 billion from her husband. He also allegedly accused her of fabricating sexual harassment claims against a former presidential aide.

“These defamatory statements have since caused the Claimant considerable distress, reputational harm, embarrassment, and emotional distress,” the court filing stated.

In response to these allegations, Senator Natasha is demanding ₦5 billion in damages. She is also seeking a public retraction of the statements and a formal apology to be published in major national newspapers and media outlets within seven days of the court’s ruling.

Additionally, her legal team is pushing for a perpetual injunction to stop Nwaebonyi and his associates from making or spreading any further defamatory remarks.

As of now, the case has not been scheduled for hearing, and the defendant is expected to respond within 21 days of receiving the writ.