Senator Nwaebonyi Faces N5 Billion Lawsuit Over Defamatory Comments On Senator Natasha.
Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, is currently facing legal and political pressure following a N5 billion defamation lawsuit filed against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and a recall threat from a prominent diaspora group.
In a writ of summons dated 7 April 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Nwaebonyi of making false and malicious statements that have severely damaged her reputation. The remarks, allegedly made during multiple media interviews—including appearances on Channels TV, Arise News, and YouTube—form the basis of the legal suit filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Among the accusations levelled against Nwaebonyi are claims that he referred to Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “gold-digger”, “habitual liar”, and “habitual blackmailer” during a Channels TV appearance on 6 March. The Kogi Central senator described these remarks as “injurious” and “designed to lower her standing in the public eye”.
Further contentious statements reportedly occurred on Arise News on 3 March, where Nwaebonyi allegedly called her “a mother of six from different men”, and in a YouTube interview on 27 March, where he suggested her marriage was a result of blackmail. Akpoti-Uduaghan is also seeking post-judgment interest at 10 per cent annually until the damages are paid in full.
Meanwhile, the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has condemned Nwaebonyi’s public conduct, labelling it “unparliamentary” and unbecoming of a legislator. In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s President, Paschal Oluchukwu, criticised the senator’s continued media commentary and called for restraint and decorum.
“Senator Nwaebonyi’s media engagements have become a source of embarrassment to the people of Ebonyi North. His remarks not only undermine respected Nigerians, including women advocates like Dr Oby Ezekwesili, but also diminish the credibility of the legislative chamber,” Oluchukwu stated.
The group warned that if the senator continues on what it described as a “disgraceful expedition” in defending others in a manner unbecoming of his office, it would have no choice but to mobilise his constituents to begin a recall process.
The case is yet to be assigned to a judge, but it has already stirred widespread discussion about the responsibilities and public image of lawmakers, as well as the importance of civility and respect in political discourse.
