Akpabio orders withdrawal of defamation suits against Natasha Akpoti
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced that he has instructed his lawyers to withdraw all defamation lawsuits he filed against individuals over alleged damage to his reputation.
Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday during a New Year mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said he had instituted nearly nine court cases against various individuals whom he accused of defaming and slandering his name.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals — people who defamed me, who lied against me, and who slandered my name,” he said.
READ ALSO: Akpabio warns of security risks, urges Tinubu to review Police withdrawal from lawmakers
According to the senate president, a message delivered by the priest during the service prompted a change of heart.
“But listening to the priest, I suddenly realised he was talking to me. So I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against me,” Akpabio added.
One of the most prominent cases was a N200 billion defamation suit filed in December 2025 at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central. The suit followed sexual harassment allegations made against Akpabio.
READ ALSO: Akpabio warns of security risks, urges Tinubu to review Police withdrawal from lawmakers
In February, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged during an interview on Arise TV that the senate president made sexual advances toward her at his office and residence in Akwa Ibom State. She claimed her challenges in the Senate began after she rejected the alleged advances.
Akpabio has consistently denied the allegations. Prior to the claims, both lawmakers had been involved in a heated exchange on the floor of the Senate over a change in seating arrangements.
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