The Federal Government has filed criminal defamation charges against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi over alleged defamatory remarks targeting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
In a five-count charge (CR/547/2025) filed at the FCT High Court, Abuja, the government accuses Nwebonyi—Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and representative of Ebonyi North—of making malicious statements aimed at damaging Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation during media appearances in March 2025.
According to the charge sheet, Nwebonyi described Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser,” “a blackmailer,” and “a mother of six from different men,” while questioning her moral character and credibility during interviews on Arise TV, Channels, TVC, and other outlets.
The prosecution alleges the comments were made “knowing or having reason to believe” they would expose Akpoti-Uduaghan to public contempt and ridicule—acts which violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and are punishable under Section 392.
One specific quote from a March 3 Arise TV interview reads:
“Are you the only woman in Nigeria? Senator Natasha! What is wrong with you?… She is a habitual accuser… a mother of six from different men.
The case was filed by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation. If convicted, Nwebonyi faces imprisonment, a fine, or both.
He is expected to appear in court to enter a plea in the coming days