Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has launched two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and infringement of her fundamental rights.

In her legal filings, Mrs Akpabio is seeking an astounding ₦250 billion in damages, alongside an additional ₦1 billion to cover legal costs.

The suits, presented to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, arise from sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against her husband, Godswill Akpabio, during an interview on Arise News last Friday.

In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs Akpabio contends that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on 20th February 2025, as well as during the televised interview, represent a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Referencing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mrs Akpabio is pursuing several legal remedies, including: “A declaration that the Senator’s remarks breached her fundamental rights and subjected her and her children to emotional and psychological distress.

“A perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further inciteful, scandalous, and defamatory remarks against her.

“₦250 billion in damages for what she categorises as exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages incurred as a result of the senator’s statements.”

In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), the wife of the Senate President challenges the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that they have inflicted irreparable harm on her reputation and that of her family.

She argues that the claims, aired on national television, have “tarnished her family’s reputation and brought them into disrepute and opprobrium.”

“The Defendant’s assertion on national television that the Claimant’s husband, who serves as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made sexual advances towards her without any substantiation has severely damaged the reputation of the Claimant and her entire family,” the suit states.

Mrs Akpabio is also seeking a court declaration affirming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements were indeed defamatory.

Her requests include: “A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions on national television—that the Claimant’s husband, the Senate President, made sexual advances towards her without evidence—have harmed her reputation and that of her family, resulting in disrepute and opprobrium.

“An order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction of her statements and to provide an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in two national newspapers.

“An order mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for the ramifications of her statements on the Akpabio family’s reputation.

“A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.”

These lawsuits represent a notable escalation in legal proceedings following a contentious exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio.

The dispute first gained prominence when Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a verbal altercation with the Senate President during a Senate session, which she subsequently escalated by levelling allegations of sexual harassment during a televised interview.

The allegations have ignited a nationwide debate, drawing significant attention and eliciting mixed responses from the public.

As Muslims across Nigeria commence the holy month of Ramadan, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend Joseph Hayab, has called on the government to tackle insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship in the country.

In a goodwill message to the Muslim community on Saturday, Reverend Hayab emphasised the importance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, devotion, and unity.

He urged both leaders and citizens to use the fasting season to promote national cohesion through interfaith dialogue and mutual support.

“This special time is not only an opportunity for reflection and devotion but also a chance to strengthen the bonds of community and friendship,” he said.

“May your fasts be accepted, your prayers answered, and your hearts be filled with appreciation for the blessings in your lives.”

He also extended his best wishes to Muslims and their families, expressing hope that the period would bring peace, joy, and spiritual growth.

“In this blessed month, may you find tranquillity in your worship and kindness in your deeds. Let us embrace the spirit of giving and compassion, supporting one another as we journey through this sacred time,” he said.

Reverend Hayab reiterated his appeal to the government, stressing the urgent need to address the security and economic challenges facing Nigerians.

“We are appealing to the government to bring an end to insecurity, hunger, and hardship in the country,” he stated.

He further prayed for divine blessings upon the nation’s citizens and leaders, urging all Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to seek solutions to the country’s challenges through unity and honest dialogue.