₦airaland Forum

]b]If convicted, the offence carries a potential sentence of imprisonment, fine, or both, as stipulated under the Penal Code provisions[/b].

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed criminal defamation charges against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi over alleged defamatory statements made against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The five-count charge, 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 of the Federation, on behalf of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.

According to the charge sheet dated September 11, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, Senator Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District and serves as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, made the offending remarks between March 3 and 29, 2025, during appearances on Arise Television, Channels Television, TVC, and News Central Television in Abuja, as well as in other media outlets

The prosecution accused Senator Nwebonyi of making several statements intended to damage Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation, including describing her as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.”

He was further quoted as saying, “[/i]This woman is a known blackmailer, and people should be very careful with this woman]/i].”

According to the Federal Government, these remarks were malicious and capable of exposing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.

The charge sheet also alleged that Nwebonyi made disparaging personal comments about the senator, describing her as “a mother of six from different men” and questioning her moral character, statements which the prosecution says constitute a violation of 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 of the charge specifically accuses Senator Nwebonyi of making imputations knowing that such statements would harm the reputation of another person, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.

If convicted, the offence carries a potential sentence of imprisonment, fine, or both, as stipulated under the Penal Code provisions.

The statement of offence for count one reads, “Making imputation knowing that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory Nigeria and punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.

“That on or about the 3rd day of March 2025, during a live studio interview programme "NewsDay" on Arise Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, You SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI, made the following imputation concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during the referenced interview programme with Arise Television anchors/hosts (Aaron Akerejola and Cynthia Areh) to wit:

"This is an attempt to discredit the Senate President, and this is not the first time, just give me some time, this is not the first time this woman is doing this. This is a woman that have accused Yahaya Bello of sexual harassment..."

"This is the same woman that accused Reno Omokri, the former media aide to Jonathan of sexual harassment, this is a woman I saw on a video yesterday accusing a Minister 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, let me tell you something..."

"Senator Natasha is spoiling game for Nigeria women trying to enter politics, because nobody will vote for a woman... No! I'm telling you, if women can behave this way, then there is danger... if you give them more power!"

"And I have my points, any slightest provocation, you accuse eh, he want to sexually harass me, he eh (inaudible). Who are you? A mother of six...a mother of six from different men, without going to her character, this is a mother of six from different men and you think that her character is not questionable."

"I'm going to her character, she have to change! We should condemn evil that is the point...I'm a Christian."

"Listen! She is a habitual accuser, she is a habitual accuser of men, of sexual harassment."

“And YOU SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI know or have reason to believe that these imputations will harm the reputation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Senator of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Counts Two to Five: Each of the remaining four counts accuses Senator Peter Nwebonyi of making statements or imputations knowing, or having reason to believe, that such remarks would harm the reputation of another person, in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.

The Federal Government maintains that these imputations were made maliciously and with reckless disregard for the truth, thereby constituting criminal defamation under the law.

The case has been formally scheduled for hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Senator Nwebonyi is expected to take his plea and defend himself against the allegations.

If found guilty, he faces penalties prescribed under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, which include imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Count One of the charge specifically accuses Senator Nwebonyi of making imputations knowing that such statements would harm the reputation of another person, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.

DaddyJapan:
I see our FG is doing the right thing at the wrong time. Why does it take seven months to bring charges against loquacious Senator Nwebonyi for the offensive remarks he made?

DaddyJapan:
I see our FG is doing the right thing at the wrong time. Why does it take seven months to bring charges against loquacious Senator Nwebonyi for the offensive remarks he made?

AMINDA:
Medicine after death. They are now trying to pacify Natasha and get her to decamp to their side. Is Yahaya Bello not enough? They can now see that she's a collusus unlike the likes of Fubara. It has to be an Igboman that takes the fall. Why not start by telling Akpabio to step down? Forget the defections, APC will implode close to the elections.

Maxymilliano:
https://saharareporters.com/2025/10/17/breaking-nigerian-govt-sues-senator-nwebonyi-over-alleged-vile-remarks-against-senator?fbclid=Iwb21leANfMKJjbGNrA18wUWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeq63JNpZT1qisv6Qy7vZTd1W5F5vSAV-xS4JE_nIt5Gnw4qQjebiyO74uDjc_aem_OCjj_DXXKUw_8DG_pQo4Cg

jmoore:
FG sues Natasha.
FG sues Nwaebonyi.

I don't understand this judicial banditry sef.

Akpabio should have sued Natasha.

And Natasha should sue Nwaebonyi if she wants.

Why FG Attorney general carry the matter for head?

Just another conduit pipe to pocket millions of naira for prosecuting a case.

Maxymilliano:
https://saharareporters.com/2025/10/17/breaking-nigerian-govt-sues-senator-nwebonyi-over-alleged-vile-remarks-against-senator?fbclid=Iwb21leANfMKJjbGNrA18wUWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeq63JNpZT1qisv6Qy7vZTd1W5F5vSAV-xS4JE_nIt5Gnw4qQjebiyO74uDjc_aem_OCjj_DXXKUw_8DG_pQo4Cg

Hemanwel:
I hate to play the tribal card, but why should the federal government be the ones to sue Sen. Nwaebonyi? Because he is an Igbo, I surmise? The FG wouldn't dare sue him if he were from the north.

This is why I laugh at the igbos who are decamping to APC. The government of Tinubu doesn't regard you people