FG Drags Senator Nwebonyi to Court Over Alleged Defamation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal Government has filed a five-count criminal charge against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi for allegedly launching a sustained media campaign to defame Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The suit, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

According to court documents dated September 11, 2025, Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North and serves as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, made several “false, malicious and damaging” statements against Akpoti-Uduaghan on national television and online platforms between March 3 and 29, 2025.

Prosecutors allege that the senator repeatedly appeared on major TV networks including Arise TV, Channels Television, TVC News, and News Central where he made remarks intended to “damage the reputation and public image” of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband, High Chief Emmanuel O. Uduaghan.

The Federal Government described the comments as part of a “coordinated campaign of defamation,” in which Nwebonyi reportedly referred to Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser,” “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon,” and “a known blackmailer.”

In one instance, during a live interview on Arise TV’s NewsDay on March 3, 2025, the lawmaker allegedly said:

> “This is a woman that accused Yahaya Bello and others of sexual harassment. Are you the only woman in Nigeria, Senator Natasha? What is wrong with you? This is madness. Nigerian women should rise against this.”


He also allegedly claimed she was “a mother of six from different men,” a statement prosecutors said was made “with intent to insult and lower her in public esteem.”

The charge sheet lists at least five broadcast appearances and one online forum where the alleged defamatory remarks were made, citing violations of Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the FCT.

Prosecution officials say they will present broadcast footage and digital records as evidence to prove that Nwebonyi deliberately sought to destroy his colleague’s reputation. If convicted, the senator faces a jail term, fines, or both, as prescribed under Nigeria’s criminal defamation laws.

Legal observers have described the case as a landmark, noting that it is one of the few instances where the Federal Government, rather than a private individual, is initiating criminal proceedings for defamation.

A senior Ministry of Justice official, who requested anonymity, said the move aims to “protect the integrity of public discourse.”

> “Freedom of expression cannot become a tool for character assassination,” the official said. “This case seeks to draw a line between fair comment and malicious defamation.”


Legal experts say the outcome could set an important precedent for regulating political speech, particularly among public officeholders.

“This is not just a clash between two senators,” noted one Abuja-based legal analyst. “It’s about accountability whether lawmakers can use media platforms to destroy reputations without consequence.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not publicly commented on the case, but her aides described her as “calm and confident in the judicial process.”

The case is expected to be assigned to a trial judge soon, with Senator Nwebonyi required to appear in court to enter his plea.

If found guilty, he could become the first serving senator in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic to be convicted for criminal defamation a development that could redefine the boundaries of political speech and responsibility in the country.