The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a criminal defamation suit against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi over alleged derogatory statements made against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The five-count charge, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, acting on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to court documents dated September 11, 2025, Senator Nwebonyi—who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District and serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate—allegedly made the remarks between March 3 and March 29, 2025, during appearances on Arise Television, Channels TV, TVC, and News Central Television, among others.
The prosecution accused Nwebonyi of making statements intended to tarnish Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s image, describing her as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.” He also allegedly referred to her as “a known blackmailer” and “a mother of six from different men,” questioning her moral character.
The Federal Government described the remarks as malicious and capable of exposing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule, in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the FCT, punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.
One of the charges quoted Nwebonyi’s comments made during a live Arise Television interview where he allegedly said:
“This woman is a habitual accuser of men of sexual harassment. She has accused Yahaya Bello, Reno Omokri, and others. Are you the only woman in Nigeria? Senator Natasha, what is wrong with you?”
“She is a mother of six from different men. If women can behave this way, then there is danger in giving them more power.”
The prosecution maintains that the statements were made “with reckless disregard for the truth” and “with intent to harm the reputation” of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
If convicted, Senator Nwebonyi faces imprisonment, a fine, or both, as stipulated under the Penal Code provisions.
The case has been scheduled for hearing at the FCT High Court, where Senator Nwebonyi is expected to appear to take his plea.
