Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has begun legal proceedings against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi. The accusations include sexual harassment, defamation, and violation of her fundamental rights.

A judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja gave permission for Natasha to personally serve court papers on Akpabio, both as an individual and as Senate President. The court also ordered that Akpabio’s senior aide and the Clerk of the National Assembly receive the legal documents.

The judge set June 9 as the date to report back on whether the summons was successfully delivered.

In a related case, another judge approved that Nwaebonyi be served court papers by alternative means. This hearing is scheduled for June 25.

Earlier, Natasha filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nwaebonyi. He allegedly accused her of having children with different men during a live TV interview. Natasha’s legal team said these statements are false and intended to harm her reputation.

During the interview, Nwaebonyi reportedly called Natasha a “gold digger,” “liar,” and “blackmailer,” and claimed her husband married her under pressure. Her lawyers argue that these false accusations were made to justify her suspension from the Senate and to influence public opinion against her.

Natasha also seeks a court order to prevent Nwaebonyi and his supporters from spreading any more defamatory statements about her.

In addition, she accuses Akpabio of sexual harassment and claims that one of his aides also defamed her. She is asking for ₦100 billion in damages and ₦300 million for legal fees.

Previously, Natasha was suspended from the Senate for alleged misconduct after a dispute with Akpabio over seating arrangements. However, she denies that her suspension was related to misconduct and says it was because of her sexual harassment claim against Akpabio.