Two Courts Summon Akpabio, Nwaebonyi Over Allegations By Natasha Akpoti

Two separate courts in the Federal Capital Territory have summoned Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi over allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The cases involve claims of defamation, sexual harassment, and violations of her fundamental rights.

In the first case, marked FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi granted permission for Natasha Akpoti to serve court documents, including a writ of summons and hearing notices, on Akpabio.

These documents are to be served both personally and in his official role as Senate President.

Others listed in the same suit include Akpabio’s senior aide, Mr. Mfon Patrick, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The judge has scheduled June 9, 2025, for a report on whether the summons was successfully delivered.

This followed an ex parte motion presented by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, U.J. Udoh.

The request was backed by a sworn affidavit from Hamzat Mogaji, a litigation manager at the law firm Victor Giwa & Associates.

In a separate but related lawsuit, case number FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka approved a request for substituted service of court papers on Senator Nwaebonyi.

That request was filed on May 10, 2025, and supported by an affidavit presented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael J. Numa.

The next hearing in that matter is set for June 25, 2025.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently under a six-month suspension from the Senate, is suing Nwaebonyi for ₦5 billion in damages.

The lawsuit stems from comments he made about her during a live broadcast of “Sunrise Daily” on Channels TV, aired on March 6, 2025.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Federal Government recently filed a criminal case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of making defamatory statements during a live television appearance.