The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, failed to appear before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jabi, or send legal representation in a N10 billion defamation suit instituted against him and his media aide, Patrick Mfon, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The suit, marked Suit No: CV/754/25, was mentioned before Justice A. S. Kutigi, who noted the conspicuous absence of the first defendant, Akpabio, in a matter deemed both high-profile and sensitive. While Mfon, the third defendant, had legal counsel in attendance, no representation was made on behalf of the Senate President.
Appearing for the claimant were lawyers Victor Giwa and Ogbogbo Olisemekelim, who informed the court of efforts made to serve Akpabio through his legislative aide, Dayo Fadugba. However, Justice Kutigi, while acknowledging the submission, emphasized the necessity for personal service on the Senate President in accordance with civil procedure rules, directing that the originating processes be personally delivered to him to ensure proper notification.
The plaintiff, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed the action in reaction to a series of posts published on social media by Mfon, alleging that she dressed inappropriately to the Senate and implying that she was bitter over her removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Mfon further stated in the posts that she “had nothing to offer legislatively,” accusations which the claimant describes as false, defamatory, sexist, and calculated to ridicule her person and office.
Referencing Suit No: CV/754/25, the court reiterated its position that such grave allegations, especially when involving high-ranking public officials, must be addressed through due legal process and afforded the seriousness they deserve. Justice Kutigi made clear that the Senate President’s status does not exempt him from adherence to court directives.
The court adjourned the matter to June 9, 2025, for a report of service and commencement of hearing, signaling its resolve to ensure full accountability in the suit regardless of the parties’ political stature.
