Courts Summon Akpabio, Nwaebonyi Over Natasha’s Rights Violation Claims

Two separate Federal Capital Territory High Courts have issued summonses to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, following allegations of defamation, sexual harassment, and violation of the fundamental rights of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In suit No. FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, filed before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, the court granted Akpoti-Uduaghan permission to serve the writ of summons and accompanying court documents—including hearing notices—on Senator Akpabio, both in his personal capacity and as Senate President.

Others named in the suit include Mr. Mfon Patrick, a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.

Justice Kutigi scheduled June 9, 2025, for a report on the service of the summons. The decision followed an ex parte motion (No. M/6603/2025) argued by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, U.J. Udoh, and supported by a six-paragraph affidavit sworn by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates.

In a related case, suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka granted leave for substituted service of court papers on Senator Nwaebonyi. That ruling was based on an ex parte motion filed on May 10, 2025, supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael J. Numa.

Justice Otaluka adjourned the case to June 25, 2025, for further hearing.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently under a six-month suspension from the Senate, has filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Nwaebonyi. The suit challenges statements made by Nwaebonyi during a live appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025.