Civil society organisations have declared that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been handed a "golden opportunity" to substantiate her serious allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. This pivotal moment arises directly from the N200 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Senator Akpabio, which groups argue has shifted the contentious dispute from the realm of media speculation to a formal judicial arena.
Lawsuit Transforms Public Chatter into Legal Battle
The coalition Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW) has publicly welcomed the legal action, stating it provides a structured and lawful channel to conclusively address the claims that have dominated national discourse for weeks. According to the group, the suit effectively removes political distractions and places the matter where it properly belongs: before a court of law.
Dr. John Samuel Nangi, the National Convener of NIW, emphasized that the core issue is a private dispute between two senators and should be treated as such while the judiciary examines the facts. He noted that the lawsuit closes the door to endless public speculation and simultaneously opens a direct legal pathway for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to present her evidence.
"The courtroom is the only place where these claims and counterclaims can be properly tested," Nangi stated, urging both parties to avoid any further trial by media and to fully respect the ongoing judicial process.
Akpabio Seeks Damages and Retractions Over "Predator" Allegations
Senator Akpabio's lawsuit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court under case number FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025, accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of granting interviews and publishing online content where she allegedly described him as a "predator who exploited his position for personal gratification."
The suit contends that these allegations, consumed by millions of Nigerians, have caused severe damage to Akpabio's reputation. Consequently, he is seeking substantial remedies, including:
- Extensive financial damages.
- The removal of all related online materials.
- Broadcast apologies across major national media platforms.
Natasha's Readiness to Prove Claims in Court
In response, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has confirmed her readiness to prove her allegations in court. She has indicated that this lawsuit finally offers her the formal platform she was previously denied, after the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee allegedly refused to hear her initial petition.
She has publicly asserted that she will demonstrate how her refusal to submit to alleged advances led to sustained political pressure against her. The court processes were permitted to be served through the Clerk of the National Assembly following a court order on 6 November 2025, after attempts at direct service failed.
With preparations for the trial now underway, legal analysts predict this case could evolve into one of the most closely watched political-legal battles in Nigeria's recent history, carrying significant implications for accountability and conduct within the nation's highest legislative body.
