Akpabio Drags Akpoti-Uduaghan to Court Over Sexual Harassment Claim, Demands N200bn

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a N200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations that he sexually harassed her.

The suit was instituted at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, confirmed the development on Friday in a Facebook post, saying the matter would finally give her an opportunity to “prove” her claims.

“Today, being December 5, 2025, I received the newly instituted N200 billion suit filed against me by Senator Godswill Akpabio, claiming defamation on sexual harassment,” she wrote.

According to her, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions earlier declined to hear her petition on the strength that a similar matter filed by Akpabio’s wife was already in court.

She claimed the committee’s refusal and her “illegal suspension” hindered her from seeking judicial redress.

“Now, I have the chance to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to submit to his demands triggered a series of unprovoked attacks on my person,” she said.

The Kogi senator attached a court order signed by Justice U.P. Kekemeke directing that she be served through substituted means via the Clerk of the National Assembly. The order was issued on November 6, while hearing is expected to commence on January 21, 2026.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier alleged during a February interview on Arise TV that Akpabio made sexual advances toward her both in his office and at his residence in Akwa Ibom State — claims the Senate President has repeatedly denied.

Both lawmakers had clashed on the Senate floor months earlier over a change in seating arrangements.