Mr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, lead counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has confirmed that his client has officially received details of a lawsuit instituted against her by the Federal Government. According to West-Idahosa, the suit was served at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, within the premises of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the law firm, it was revealed that the suit—marked CR/297/25—was filed on May 16, 2025, by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on behalf of the Federal Government. The case contains three charges, all centered around allegations that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory imputations with the knowledge, or reasonable belief, that such statements would damage the reputation of another individual.
This legal action follows the senator’s recent suspension from the Senate after a heated altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding a controversial change in the seating arrangement at the Senate chamber. In the aftermath, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, subsequently petitioning both the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of those she referred to as her traducers.
Responding to the lawsuit, West-Idahosa stated that the senator’s legal team is fully prepared to present compelling and credible evidence in court to counter the allegations. He emphasized their commitment to ensuring that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights are protected and that justice is served throughout the judicial process.
