Natasha Drags Nwaebonyi To Court, Demands ₦5b For Alleged Defamation
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has initiated a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, alleging that he made several false statements during media interviews in March 2025.
The lawsuit, filed by Senator Natasha’s legal representatives, led by M.J. Numa, SAN, outlines a range of defamatory remarks made by Senator Nwaebonyi on prominent national television channels, including Channels Television and Arise News. The plaintiff’s legal team is requesting various declarations from the court, asserting that the statements were malicious, untrue, and harmful to her reputation.
A key allegation arises from an interview with Senator Nwaebonyi on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025, during which he purportedly labeled Senator Natasha as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer.” In the legal filings, Senator Natasha’s attorneys assert, “These statements were not only false but were also intended to damage her public image and reputation.”
The lawsuit also references another interview on Arise News TV, broadcast on March 3, 2025, where Senator Nwaebonyi allegedly asserted that Senator Natasha was “a mother of six from different men.” Her legal team argues that such comments were “intentionally made to harm her character and undermine her credibility,” especially as a public figure and female politician.
Additionally, the lawsuit includes videos posted on YouTube, notably one from News Central TV on March 27, 2025. In this video, Senator Nwaebonyi allegedly claimed that Senator Natasha’s marriage was based on blackmail and that she had previously demanded ₦10 billion from her husband. The same video reportedly contained allegations that she had falsely accused a former presidential aide of sexual harassment.
“These defamatory statements have caused the Claimant significant distress, reputational damage, embarrassment, and emotional turmoil,” the writ states.
Senator Natasha is currently pursuing ₦5 billion in damages, asserting that her reputation and public image have been significantly harmed by these actions.
Alongside the monetary compensation, Senator Natasha is requesting a retraction of the defamatory remarks and an apology to be published in national newspapers and other media platforms within seven days following the court’s ruling.
Additionally, the claimant is seeking a permanent injunction to prohibit the defendant and his associates from making any further defamatory statements.
As of now, the court proceedings have not been scheduled for a hearing, as the defendant is anticipated to respond within 21 days from the date the writ is served.
