Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday failed to appear before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jabi, in a N10 billion defamation case filed against him and his media aide, Patrick Mfon, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Notably, Akpabio also did not send legal representation.
The suit, designated as CV/754/25, came up for mention before Justice A. S. Kutigi, who noted Akpabio’s conspicuous absence in what he described as a high-profile and sensitive case. While Mfon, the third defendant, had legal counsel present, the Senate President was unrepresented.
Representing the claimant, counsels Victor Giwa and Ogbogbo Olisemekelim informed the court that attempts had been made to serve Akpabio through his legislative aide, Dayo Fadugba. However, Justice Kutigi maintained that civil procedure rules require personal service and directed that the originating court documents be served directly on the Senate President.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan initiated the defamation suit in response to a series of social media posts by Mfon. The posts accused her of dressing inappropriately at the Senate and suggested she was resentful over her removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Mfon further claimed she “had nothing to offer legislatively.” The senator characterized these remarks as false, defamatory, sexist, and aimed at damaging her reputation and office.
Justice Kutigi stressed the seriousness of the allegations, particularly given the involvement of senior public officials. He emphasized that political status does not shield any individual from judicial accountability.
The court adjourned the matter to June 9, 2025, for a report of service and commencement of hearing, underscoring its commitment to ensuring due process is followed in the case.
