The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has granted an order of substituted service against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North Central in a defamation case filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Angela Otaluk issued the order on Wednesday following a Motion Ex Parte filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through her counsel, Yahuza Mohammed Zakari, in the suit marked CV/1359/2025.
The court approved the substituted service to be executed either through publication in a national newspaper, through the clerk of the National Assembly, or through the clerk of the Senate.
N5 Billion Defamation Lawsuit
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking N5 billion in damages from Senator Nwaebonyi over allegations that she bore six children for different men, among other claims. In her lawsuit, the Kogi lawmaker described these allegations as false and a calculated attempt to damage her reputation.
She informed the court that Nwaebonyi's statements had severely damaged her reputation, causing significant emotional distress and subjecting her to public embarrassment and harm to her credibility.
The case represents a significant legal battle between two sitting senators, highlighting tensions within Nigeria's legislative chambers.
Petition to Inspector General of Police
Beyond the lawsuit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has also petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an urgent investigation into the matter.
The petition, dated May 15, names Senate President Godswill Akpabio and US-based Nigerian activist Sandra Duru (popularly known as Professor Mgbeke) as principal actors in what she describes as a smear campaign against her.
The petition was also copied to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, indicating the seriousness with which the Kogi senator is pursuing the matter.
The court has adjourned the case until June 25, 2025, for hearing. This development adds another chapter to the growing list of defamation cases involving high-profile political figures in Nigeria.
