The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has summoned Senate President Godswill Akpabio to appear before it on June 9, 2025, over a N100 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The order was issued by Justice Idris Kutigi after Akpabio failed to appear in court on May 7. In response to a motion by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, the court granted leave for substituted service. Justice Kutigi directed that all court processes be served through the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The suit, filed under case number FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, stems from allegations that Akpabio made defamatory remarks that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan describes as “false, malicious, and damaging to her integrity.” She is seeking N100 billion in damages.
Legal sources confirm that Senator Akpabio has now been served in compliance with the court’s directive.
The case pits two high-profile lawmakers against each other and is drawing national attention to the boundaries of political speech and accountability within Nigeria’s legislative sphere. Observers are closely monitoring how the Senate President will respond when proceedings resume on June 9.
