The case, marked CR/547/2025, was lodged at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation.

According to the charge sheet dated September 11, 2025, Nwebonyi, a 44-year-old senator from Ebonyi North and Senate Deputy Chief Whip, allegedly made “vile, false, and disparaging” remarks targeting Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband, High Chief Emmanuel O. Uduaghan, between March 3 and 29, 2025. 

The statements, aired on major television stations including Arise TV, Channels TV, TVC News, and News Central Television, as well as in a WhatsApp group, reportedly labeled Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser,” “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon,” “a known blackmailer,” and “a mother of six from different men.” 

The prosecution claims these remarks were designed to damage her reputation and expose her to public ridicule.

Key instances cited include Nwebonyi’s alleged statements on Arise TV’s NewsDay on March 3, 2025, where he reportedly said, “This is a woman that accused Yahaya Bello and others of sexual harassment. Are you the only woman in Nigeria, Senator Natasha? This is madness. Nigerian women should rise against this.” 

Similar comments were allegedly made on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily (March 6), TVC News’ Politics on Sunday (March 9), News Central Television (March 26), and the Arise TMS Guests Forum WhatsApp group. 

The charges, filed under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Act, are supported by broadcast footage and digital records.

The Federal Government described Nwebonyi’s actions as a “calculated campaign of defamation” intended to harm Akpoti-Uduaghan’s character. 

If convicted, Nwebonyi faces potential imprisonment, fines, or both. This rare government-led defamation case could set a precedent for regulating inflammatory political rhetoric in Nigeria, with legal analysts noting its potential to redefine boundaries between free speech and reputational harm.

A Ministry of Justice official, speaking anonymously, emphasized the case’s significance: “Freedom of expression cannot be a tool for destruction. This is about protecting public discourse.” 

The trial, yet to be assigned a judge, is expected to draw significant attention, as a guilty verdict could mark Nwebonyi as the first serving senator in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic convicted of criminal defamation.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained silent on the issue, with aides describing her as “calm and confident” in the judicial process. The case tests the Senate’s reputation for accountability, raising questions about whether political privilege will prevail over the rule of law.