Sexual harassment: Akpabio files N200bn defamation suit against Natasha

…as Natasha says she’s reading to spill it all out

Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, has filed a ₦200 billion defamation suit against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of falsely alleging sexual harassment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed receiving the court papers on her social media pages on Friday, describing the development as an opportunity to finally prove her allegations after the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges declined to hear her petition.

She wrote, “Today being the 5th day of December 2025, I’m in receipt of the newly instituted ₦200 billion suit against me by Senator Godswill Akpabio…

“I now have a chance to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to give into his demands unleashed series of unprovoked and unprecedented attacks on my person. See you in court, Godswill Akpabio.”

Earlier, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, declaring it inadmissible.

Neda Imasuen, the committee Chairman, on March 5, ruled that the petition violated Senate procedures on two grounds: A senator cannot present a petition signed by themselves, as stated in Order 40(4).

The allegations, he said, were already subjects of litigation.

“That petition is dead on arrival,” Imasuen declared. “No senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself. In addition, what I have seen is making allegations that are already in court.”

He also disclosed receiving legal documents warning the Senate against entertaining the matter.

“They have presented to me a rule order from the court attempting to stop this committee. This is unacceptable.”

Read also: Senator Natasha Uduaghan: An icon of selfless leadership

At the same plenary, Akpabio publicly denied ever harassing the Kogi Central senator, or any other woman.

“At no time did I sexually harass Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” he said.

“I was raised by a single mother and have the highest regard for women. I have four beautiful daughters. I have never harassed any woman, and I will never do so.”

He urged Nigerians to “await the court’s decision and not jump to conclusions.”

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