Alleged defamation: Sen Natasha, husband threaten legal action against Nwaebonyi

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, have threatened legal action against the Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over alleged defamatory remarks.

The solicitors, representing Chief Uduaghan, a prominent businessman and high chief in Warri Kingdom, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, accused Nwaebonyi of making damaging statements during a television interview on News Central TV. The interview was also aired on affiliated platforms such as DSTV, GOTV, Startimes, and AVO.

According to the letter, Nwaebonyi allegedly insinuated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had a pattern of “fabricating false accusations of sexual harassment” and implied that her marriage to Chief Uduaghan was “based on coercion rather than mutual affection.” These remarks, which quickly spread across social media, were described as a “deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation” of both individuals.

The legal notice stated that the defamatory comments portrayed Chief Uduaghan as a “victim of blackmail” and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as a person of “questionable moral character.” The solicitors emphasised that the remarks had caused significant reputational damage, leading to “distrust and embarrassment” among their political, social, and business associates.

The letter demanded that Senator Nwaebonyi issue a written public apology, to be aired on News Central TV and widely disseminated on social media platforms. The couple warned that failure to meet the demand would result in legal proceedings to seek redress.