Senator Natasha Accuses Akpabio of Sexual Harassment and Political Victimization, Files N100.3 Billion Lawsuit

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has leveled serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment and subsequent victimization. In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted an incident from December 2023, during a visit to Akpabio's residence in Akwa Ibom. She claimed that while her husband accompanied them, Akpabio held her hand and suggested she spend "special moments" at his house. This advance, she asserts, was made in her husband's presence, leading him to advise her against being alone with the Senate President. The tension between the two senators escalated during a Senate session on February 20, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat, which she claimed was done without her consent. The dispute intensified when Akpabio ordered security personnel to remove her from the chamber, a move she described as unparliamentary and demeaning. In response to these events, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N100.3 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick. The lawsuit, submitted to the Federal Capital Territory High Court, alleges that Patrick, at Akpabio's prompting, made defamatory statements about her in a Facebook post. The post suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was solely about "pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers." She contends that these remarks have damaged her reputation and lowered her esteem among colleagues and the public. The Senate has since referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review. Chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, the committee has been given two weeks to report its findings. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that the parliament enjoys absolute privilege in its proceedings, suggesting that actions within its legislative setting are not subject to external legal action. As of now, Senate President Akpabio has not publicly responded to these allegations.