Two separate High Courts in the Federal Capital Territory have issued summons to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi in connection with lawsuits filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In suit FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve court processes on Akpabio (both personally and in his official capacity), his Senior Legislative Aide Mfon Patrick, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The judge fixed June 9 for a report on service compliance after considering an ex-parte application by the senator’s counsel, U.J. Udoh. Similarly, Justice A.O. Otaluka in suit FCT/HC/CV/1359/25 approved substituted service of court documents on Nwaebonyi, adjourning the matter to June 25. The decision followed an ex-parte motion argued by Michael J. Numa SAN, supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit.
The legal actions stem from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s N5 billion defamation suit against Nwaebonyi over allegedly false claims made during a March 6 Channels TV interview, where he reportedly described her as having “six children for different men” and being a “gold digger.” The suspended Kogi Central senator maintains these statements damaged her reputation and caused emotional distress.
In related proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Akpabio of sexual harassment while seeking N100 billion in damages from his aide for alleged defamation. The senator’s legal team has requested perpetual injunctions against further publication of the contested statements.
The cases represent an escalating legal confrontation between the suspended lawmaker and Senate leadership, with the courts now mandating the appearance of Nigeria’s third-highest constitutional officer and a principal officer to answer the allegations.
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