In a significant development, two separate High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory have initiated legal action against high-ranking senators, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, and Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate. These summons stem from serious accusations leveled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, including alleged sexual harassment, defamation, and breach of her fundamental rights.
Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, has granted permission for the service of a writ of summons and other critical court documents on Akpabio, specifically in his capacity as Senate President. Also included in this directive for service are Mr. Mfon Patrick, Akpabio's Senior Legislative Aide, and the Clerk of the National Assembly. This court's decision, reached after considering motion No. M/6603/2025, sets June 9, 2025, as the date for a report on the service of these summons.
Concurrently, Justice A.O. Otaluka of the Federal High Court Abuja, presiding over Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, has authorized the service of a writ of summons and accompanying legal processes by substituted means on Senator Nwaebonyi. This decision follows a motion ex parte, dated May 10, 2025, which was brought under Order 9 Rule 1(1) of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Civil Procedure Rules (2025). Michael J. Numa (SAN), representing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, argued the application, which was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and a written address. This particular case has been adjourned to June 25, 2025.
These legal actions are rooted in a N5 billion defamation lawsuit previously filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, against Senator Nwaebonyi. The lawsuit alleges that Nwaebonyi made false claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan bore six children for different men. Through her legal team, led by M. J. Numa (SAN), Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation. She asserts that Senator Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Central Senatorial District, has caused her significant emotional distress, public embarrassment, and damage to her credibility.
