Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Court fines Akpabio N100k over withdrawn motion
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha and and Godswill Akpabio’s legal face-off takes another twist. Photo credit: Vanguard newspaper.
A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has fined Senate President Godswill Akpabio N100,000 for abruptly withdrawing legal motions in a case filed against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The case stems from a N100 billion defamation lawsuit initiated by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who alleged that Akpabio made damaging public remarks aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier informed the court that Akpabio failed to respond to legal documents served on him.
This prompted the court to grant an order for substituted service, permitting court papers to be delivered through the Clerk of the National Assembly. The Senate President was given until June 9 to enter his defence.
In a twist, Akpabio’s legal representatives filed preliminary objections and other motions in response to the suit, only to later apply for their withdrawal.
The presiding judge, visibly displeased with what was seen as a delay tactic, granted the request but ordered Akpabio to pay a N100,000 fine for wasting the court’s time.
The case has been adjourned, with proceedings expected to continue later in June. Observers say the development signals the judiciary’s growing intolerance for procedural stalling, even when involving top-ranking public officials.
