The charges, numbered CR/547/2025, were filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, acting on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation.
According to the charge sheet dated September 11, 2025, Senator Nwebonyi—who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District and serves as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate—allegedly made defamatory statements about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during television interviews aired between March 3 and 29, 2025, on Arise Television, Channels TV, TVC, News Central, and other media platforms.
The prosecution accused Nwebonyi of describing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser,” “a blackmailer,”and “a mother of six from different men,” among other remarks that were allegedly intended to tarnish her image and reputation.
According to the Federal Government, the comments were malicious, reckless, and capable of subjecting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule — in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act (Cap 532, Laws of the FCT), and punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
One of the counts read in part:
“That on or about the 3rd of March 2025, during a live studio interview on Arise Television, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi made statements concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan knowing such imputations would harm her reputation.”
The prosecution noted that each of the five counts accuses Nwebonyi of making imputations with knowledge—or reason to believe—that they would harm another person’s reputation.
If found guilty, the offence carries penalties including imprisonment, a fine, or both, under the provisions of the Penal Code.
The case has been slated for hearing at the FCT High Court in Abuja, where Senator Nwebonyi is expected to enter his plea.
