Senate President Godswill Akpabio has instructed his lawyers to withdraw approximately nine defamation lawsuits following a transformative moment during a Catholic church service.
Speaking to worshippers at the church programme, Akpabio revealed that a priest’s sermon prompted deep personal reflection, leading him to abandon his litigation strategy against individuals he had accused of defamation and slander.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” the Senate President disclosed. “But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
While Akpabio did not enumerate all affected cases, the most high-profile among them involves Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The N200 Billion Lawsuit
In December 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, alleging she made false claims of sexual harassment that severely damaged his reputation.
The lawsuit sought substantial financial damages, nationwide public retractions, and broadcast apologies. Akpabio contended that interviews Akpoti-Uduaghan gave to television, radio, and online media outlets reached millions of Nigerians and subjected him to public humiliation.
Justice U.P. Kekemeke had granted Akpabio’s request for substituted service through the Clerk of the National Assembly after personal service attempts reportedly failed. The suit also demanded removal of all online content related to the allegations and repeated apology broadcasts across major media platforms.
The Senate President’s announcement marks a dramatic reversal in what had become one of the most closely watched legal battles involving Nigerian lawmakers, with his spiritual experience overriding what he had previously characterized as necessary legal action to protect his name and office.
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