The Federal Government has charged Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi with criminal defamation for allegedly making damaging remarks about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The alleged defamatory comments were made during televised interviews and other media appearances earlier this year.
The five-count charge, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, on behalf of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.
Court documents dated September 11, 2025, indicate that the Ebonyi North lawmaker and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate allegedly made the defamatory comments between March 3 and 29, 2025, during appearances on Arise Television, Channels Television, TVC, and News Central Television in Abuja, among others.
Prosecutors accused Senator Nwebonyi of making several statements aimed at tarnishing the image of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, including describing her as “a habitual accuser,” “a known blackmailer,” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.”
The charge sheet stated that he further described her as “a mother of six from different men” and questioned her moral character—remarks the prosecution says were intended to expose her to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.
The Federal Government argued that such statements violate Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, and are punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.
Count One specifically accuses the senator of making imputations he knew could harm another person’s reputation, an offence that carries a penalty of imprisonment, fine, or both.
READ ALSO:Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returns to Senate
In the cited Arise Television interview, Nwebonyi allegedly stated:
“This is a woman that have accused Yahaya Bello of sexual harassment… the same woman that accused Reno Omokri… are you the only woman in Nigeria? Senator Natasha! What is wrong with you? This is madness… Nigerian women should rise against this.”
He went on to add:
“A mother of six from different men… and you think her character is not questionable. She is a habitual accuser of men, of sexual harassment.”
The prosecution insists these remarks were malicious and made with reckless disregard for the truth.
Counts Two to Five similarly allege that Senator Nwebonyi made additional defamatory statements during other media interviews, each constituting a separate violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.
The case has been scheduled for hearing at the FCT High Court, where Senator Nwebonyi will be expected to take his plea and defend himself against the allegations.
If found guilty, he will face the penalties prescribed under the Penal Code Act, which include imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The Conclave
