Akpabio asks court to compel Natasha Akpoti to delete satirical apology

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, to delete a satirical apology she posted on her social media platforms. 

The legal move follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s April 27 Facebook post, which included a sarcastic apology and a video, in which she said she was sorry “for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect.”

The post came in defiance of an existing court order issued by Justice Binta Nyako, which barred both parties from making public statements on matters related to the ongoing legal dispute, particularly the allegations of sexual harassment, until the case is resolved. Akpabio’s legal counsel, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s post violates that judicial directive and undermines the authority of the court.

In their filing, Akpabio’s team urged the court to order the senator to not only remove the post from all her online platforms but also to issue a formal written apology in at least two national newspapers. Additionally, they asked the court to mandate Akpoti-Uduaghan to submit an affidavit affirming that she has complied with the court’s directives.

The confrontation between both lawmakers stems from a tense exchange in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements. The dispute escalated in March when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, after which she was suspended. The ongoing legal battle continues to draw public attention as it pits two high-profile figures against each other in a clash that blends political tension with legal scrutiny.