By Christopher Sunday
Suspended Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed a N5.1 billion lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi over alleged defamatory remarks.
The case (Suit No: CV/1359/25) was filed on April 7, 2025, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by her legal team led by Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN. Senator Natasha alleges that Nwaebonyi made false and damaging statements about her during a March 6, 2025, appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily.
According to her, Nwaebonyi described her as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer” — remarks she claims are false, malicious, and harmful to her public image. She further stated that these statements have caused her emotional distress and reputational damage.
Reliefs Sought by Senator Natasha Include:
1. Declarations that the statements made by Senator Nwaebonyi are defamatory and do not fall under the protection of free speech.
2. A perpetual injunction restraining the defendant and his associates from making further defamatory statements.
3. A public apology on the same platforms, including Channels TV and two national newspapers within 7 days of the court’s judgment.
4. Monetary damages of N5 billion for reputational and emotional damage, plus an additional N100 million for the cost of the lawsuit.
5. Interest on the judgment sum at 10% annually until payment is completed.
Natasha also cited another interview from March 3, 2025, on Arise News, where Nwaebonyi allegedly accused her of being “a mother of six from different men.” Additionally, she referenced comments made on March 27, 2025, in a YouTube video alleging that her marriage was the result of blackmail.
Natasha emphasized that these repeated accusations — including claims she falsely accused Reno Omokri of harassment — were designed to ruin her credibility and discourage women from political participation.
She is asking the court to declare these statements as injurious and false, and to hold Senator Nwaebonyi accountable for the reputational harm they caused.
