Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a defamation lawsuit against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suit follows a social media post by the suspended Akpoti -Uduaghan which Akpobio claims was laced with sarcasm and intended to ridicule him.
Recall that Akpoti -Uduaghan had in her Facebook written an apology to the Senate which was laden with sarcasm.
However, a legal action, filed on May 7, 2025, and registered under suit number CS/384/25, by Akpobio’s legal team stems from the controversial Facebook post.
The post, however, was widely interpreted as sarcastic, as it appeared to mock the leadership culture of the Nigerian Senate.
In the post, Senator Akpoti -Uduaghan directly addressed Akpabio with exaggerated contrition. Claiming regret for exhibiting “dignity and independence” rather than submission to political expectations.
The Kogi Central Senatorial District Senator satirically admitted to “misunderstanding the Senate’s rules,”.
Thus, implying that loyalty and personal allegiance, rather than merit, drive success in the legislative chamber.
Her message concluded with a biting mock apology for prioritizing integrity over personal advancement, a veiled critique of Senate leadership practices.
As a fallout from the post, the Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), is asking the court to compel Senator Akpoti -Uduaghan to: remove the Facebook post and any related content from all her social media platforms.
Publish a formal written apology in at least two national newspapers.
Submit an affidavit affirming her compliance with these directives.
The Senate President’s lawyers held that the post violated an existing court order issued on April 4, 2025. The order has directed both parties to refrain from making public statements regarding an ongoing legal matter between them. Reportedly related to prior sexual harassment allegations.
The Akpabio’s legal team, therefore, maintains that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s April 27 post amounts to a deliberate breach of the court’s gag order. They are claiming it was not only provocative but designed to influence public opinion while the matter remains subjudice.
Although Senator Akpoti -Uduaghan had posted what appeared to be an apology, the Senate President’s camp insists that the tone and content of the message were crafted to undermine his credibility and mock his office, rather than express genuine remorse.
The case is expected to generate significant public interest as it proceeds in court. Especially in light of broader debates on how elected officials interact on social media. And whether sarcastic commentary by lawmakers constitutes defamation or protected expression.