The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted a law suit against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
The Government sued Nwebonyi over alleged defamatory statements made against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Sahara Reporters revealed that 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, “This woman is a known blackmailer, and people should be very careful with this woman.”
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.
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.
