The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed criminal defamation charges against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi for allegedly making defamatory statements against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The five-count charge, marked CR/547/2025, was filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
According to the charge sheet, Nwebonyi allegedly made several statements intended to damage Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation during appearances on various television stations, including Arise Television, Channels Television, TVC, and News Central Television.
The statements include referring to Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.” Nwebonyi also allegedly described Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a mother of six from different men” and questioned her moral character.
The Federal Government maintains that these statements were made maliciously and with reckless disregard for the truth, constituting criminal defamation under the law.
If convicted, Nwebonyi faces penalties prescribed under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, which include imprisonment, a fine, or both.
