ABUJA, Nigeria – Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, is facing potential legal action following allegations of defamatory remarks made against Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan and his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Legal representatives for both individuals have formally demanded a public apology from Nwaebonyi, threatening a lawsuit if their request is not met.
The demand was made in a letter dated March 27, 2025, with reference WIC/W/AB/W3/25.
The solicitors acting on behalf of Chief Uduaghan, a high chief in Warri Kingdom, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, accuse Nwaebonyi of making damaging statements during a television interview.
These remarks were reportedly aired on News Central TV and its affiliated platforms, including DSTV, GOTV, Startimes, and AVO.
During the interview, Nwaebonyi allegedly made derogatory comments, including claims that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had a history of making false sexual harassment accusations.
He also implied that her marriage to Chief Uduaghan was one of coercion rather than mutual affection.
These statements quickly spread across social media, sparking public backlash.
The legal team described Nwaebonyi’s remarks as an intentional attempt to damage the reputations of both individuals.
The letter argued that the senator’s statements falsely depicted Chief Uduaghan as a victim of blackmail and painted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as having questionable moral character.
The solicitors further explained that the defamatory remarks have caused significant harm to their clients’ reputations, leading to distrust and embarrassment among their political, social, and business associates.
The demand notice called for a formal written apology from Nwaebonyi within 14 days.
The apology is to be aired on News Central TV and widely shared across social media platforms.
Failure to comply with this request, the letter warned, would lead to legal action to seek redress for the reputational damage caused.
As at the time of reporting, no response from Senator Nwaebonyi has been publicly issued.
