A High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has approved a substituted service of court documents via newspaper publication to be served on Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Central.
The ruling was issued on Wednesday by Justice Angela Otaluk following a Motion Ex Parte filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The motion, filed under suit number CV/1359/2025, was presented by her legal representative, Yahuza Mohammed Zakari.
Zakari, while addressing the court on April 10, 2025, requested the court’s permission to serve the contempt notice on Senator Nwaebonyi through a national daily or via the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly or Senate Clerk.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is pursuing ₦5 billion in damages, accusing Senator Nwaebonyi of defamation. According to her legal team, Nwaebonyi allegedly made false statements claiming she had six children with different men—an allegation she deems malicious and damaging to her public image.
In the suit, the Kogi lawmaker emphasized the emotional distress, reputational damage, and public embarrassment she has endured due to the senator’s statements.
Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on May 15, calling for a swift and thorough investigation into what she described as a coordinated smear campaign. The petition also named Senate President Godswill Akpabio and US-based Nigerian activist Sandra Duru, popularly known as Professor Mgbeke, as key figures allegedly involved in the defamation.
The petition was also sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The matter has been adjourned until June 25, 2025, for further hearing.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
