Nigerian Govt Sues Senator Nwebonyi Over offensive Remarks Against Senator Natasha

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a five-count criminal defamation charge against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North and serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate.

The charges, marked CR/547/2025, were filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The charges relate to alleged defamatory statements made by Senator Nwebonyi against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The statements were allegedly made between March 3 and 29, 2025, during appearances on several media platforms including Arise Television, Channels TV, TVC, and News Central TV.

The prosecution accuses Senator Nwebonyi of making malicious comments intended to damage Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation.

Among the allegations, he reportedly described her as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.”

He was also said to have called her “a known blackmailer” and made disparaging remarks about her family life, such as referring to her as “a mother of six from different men.” These remarks are said to be capable of exposing her to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule, violating Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, punishable under Section 392.

“If convicted, Senator Nwebonyi could face imprisonment, a fine, or both under the Penal Code provisions.”

He was further quoted as saying, “This woman is a known blackmailer, and people should be very careful with this woman.”

Count One of the charge specifically accuses Senator Nwebonyi of making imputations knowing that such statements would harm the reputation of another person, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.

The statement of offence for count one reads, “Making imputation knowing that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory Nigeria and punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.

“That on or about the 3rd day of March 2025, during a live studio interview programme “NewsDay” on Arise Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, You SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI, made the following imputation concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during the referenced interview programme with Arise Television anchors/hosts (Aaron Akerejola and Cynthia Areh) to wit:

“This is an attempt to discredit the Senate President, and this is not the first time, just give me some time, this is not the first time this woman is doing this. This is a woman that have accused Yahaya Bello of sexual harassment.”

“This is the same woman that accused Reno Omokri, the former media aide to Jonathan of sexual harassment, this is a woman I saw on a video yesterday accusing a Minister of sexual harassment. Are you the only woman in Nigeria? Senator Natasha! What is wrong with you?”

“This is madness, Nigerian women should rise against this, let me tell you something…”

“Senator Natasha is spoiling game for Nigeria women trying to enter politics, because nobody will vote for a woman… No! I’m telling you, if women can behave this way, then there is danger… if you give them more power!”

“And I have my points, any slightest provocation, you accuse eh, he want to sexually harass me, he eh (inaudible). Who are you? A mother of six…a mother of six from different men, without going to her character, this is a mother of six from different men and you think that her character is not questionable.”

“I’m going to her character, she have to change! We should condemn evil that is the point…I’m a Christian.”

“Listen! She is a habitual accuser, she is a habitual accuser of men, of sexual harassment.”

“And YOU SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI know or have reason to believe that these imputations will harm the reputation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Senator of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Counts Two to Five: Each of the remaining four counts accuses Senator Peter Nwebonyi of making statements or imputations knowing, or having reason to believe, that such remarks would harm the reputation of another person, in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.

The Federal Government maintains that these imputations were made maliciously and with reckless disregard for the truth, thereby constituting criminal defamation under the law.

The case has been formally scheduled for hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Senator Nwebonyi is expected to take his plea and defend himself against the allegations.

If found guilty, he faces penalties prescribed under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, which include imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Credit: Sahara Reporters.