Natasha: Senator Nwebonyi dismisses report of prosecution, says no FG case against me 

The Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a lawsuit against him over alleged vile remarks directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

 

‎In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his media aide, Romanus Uzor Ozioko, Senator Nwebonyi described the publication, which originated from an online platform, as a “mischievous fabrication designed to mislead the public and tarnish his image.”

 

He stated that the claim “lacks any legal or factual basis,” adding that the report was the work of political detractors and attention seekers determined to sow confusion and stir unnecessary controversy.

 

“It is legally illogical and procedurally impossible for the Federal Government to institute a case against Senator Nwebonyi on an issue for which it had earlier filed a suit against Senator Natasha,” the statement read.

 

‎The Guardian has reported that the Federal Government has filed a five-count criminal charge of defamation against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, accusing him of waging a sustained media smear campaign against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

 

‎The report stated that the case, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

 

‎It stated that “According to the charge sheet dated 11 September 2025, Nwebonyi — a 44-year-old lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District and serving as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate — allegedly made a series of “vile, false, and disparaging” remarks against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan across several television appearances and online platforms between 3 and 29 March 2025.

 

“Prosecutors allege that Nwebonyi used major national television stations — including Arise TV, Channels TV, TVC News, and News Central Television — to make statements “intended to harm and ridicule” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband, High Chief Emmanuel O. Uduaghan.

 

‎”In what the Federal Government describes as a “calculated campaign of defamation,” the senator reportedly branded Akpoti-Uduaghan “a habitual accuser,” “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon,” and “a known blackmailer.

 

“He was also quoted as saying on live television that the Kogi Senator was “a mother of six from different men,” questioning her moral character — remarks which the government argues were malicious, false, and capable of exposing her to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule.

 

“The charge listed at least five broadcast appearances and one digital instance where Nwebonyi allegedly made such statements to include: Arise TV’s NewsDay on 3 March 2025; Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on 6 March 2025; TVC News’ Politics on Sunday on 9 March 2025; News Central Television on 26 March 2025; and Arise TMS Guests Forum WhatsApp group in March (unspecified date).

 

“‎The prosecution asserted it will tender compelling evidence — including broadcast footage and digital records — to prove that the defendant knowingly embarked on a deliberate character-assassination campaign against a fellow senator.

 

“In Count One, the charge sheet indicated that prosecutors alleged that during a live interview on Arise TV’s NewsDay on 3 March 2025, Senator Nwebonyi declared:

 

“This is a woman that accused Yahaya Bello and others of sexual harassment. Are you the only woman in Nigeria, Senator Natasha? What is wrong with you? This is madness. Nigerian women should rise against this.”

 

“He further described her as “a habitual accuser of men” and “a mother of six from different men,” comments which, according to the prosecution, were made “knowing or having reason to believe” they would harm her reputation.

‎Counts Two through Five outline similar alleged infractions on other television programmes within the same period, in violation of Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the

 

Reacting to the report, Ozioko clarified that Senator Nwebonyi has no pending case with the Federal Government or any of its agencies.

 

He insisted that the circulating report was part of a smear campaign orchestrated to malign his reputation and distract him from his legislative responsibilities.

 

Ozioko urged Nigerians to disregard what he called “a baseless and politically motivated piece of propaganda.” He assured that Senator Nwebonyi remains committed to his duties as a lawmaker and to the service of his constituents and the nation.

 

‎“Senator Nwebonyi will not be distracted by the antics of political jobbers. He remains focused on his legislative duties and on advancing good governance and national development,” the statement added.