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Natasha: Court summons Akpabio, Nwaebonyi over sexual harassment, defamation claims

Two High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have individually and separately summoned Senate President Godswill Akpabio and, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over allegations of sexual harassment, defamation and the violation of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights.

A judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Abubakar Idris Kutigi, in suit no: FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, granted leave to Natasha, the senator representing Kogi central, to serve the writ of summons and other court processes on Akpabio in person and in his official capacity as senate president.

The judge also directed that Mfon Patrick, Senior legislative aide to Akpabio, and the Clerk of the National Assembly be served accordingly.

Kutigi fixed June 9 for the report of service after granting motion no. M/6603/2025.

The motion, which was moved by U.J. Udoh, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and supported by a six-paragraph affidavit, was deposed to by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates.

Another judge of the same court, A.O. Otaluka, in a separate suit, no: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, granted leave for Nwaebonyi to be served by substituted means.

The ex parte motion dated May 10 was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and a written address. Michael J. Numa, SAN, and counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan moved the motion Otaluka adjourned the matter to June 25 for the report of service.

Natasha had earlier filed a N5 billion defamation suit against Nwaebonyi over a claim that she had six children with different men.

The suit, filed by her legal team led by Numa, described the statements as false and a deliberate attempt to damage the lawmaker’s reputation.

Numa told the court that Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi north central, made the allegations during a live interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme aired on March 6.

The lawyer said the lawmaker called the Kogi senator a “gold digger”, an “habitual liar”, and an “habitual blackmailer” and alleged that her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, married her under duress.

Natasha’s counsel stated that the remarks were made to depict the senator as someone who extorts money through dishonest means.

Through her lawyer, Natasha further said Nwaebonyi was fully aware that the statements were false and made them to discredit her and justify her illegal suspension by the senate.

She also said the lawmaker, a member of the senate committee on ethics and public petitions, made the remarks to influence public opinion against her ongoing petition before the senate.

Among other reliefs, she is asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi and his associates from publishing or causing the publication of defamatory content about her.

Natasha also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and said his aide defamed her character.

She is seeking N100 billion in general damages and N300 million in litigation costs from Akpabio’s aide.

Recall that Natasha was suspended from the senate for alleged gross misconduct following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.

However, the lawmaker rejected the senate’s position that she was not suspended over her sexual harassment claim against Akpabio.

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Four arrested as police uncover N500m Canadian-Australian visa scam

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with a visa scam that defrauded over 100 Nigerians of approximately ₦500 million.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu (27), Chineye Christian (36), Archibong Udeme Ifereke (23), and Maurine Peter (25), were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). All four are reportedly staff members of an educational consultancy firm located in the Ago Okota area of Lagos, where the fraudulent activities were allegedly carried out.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects deceived their victims with false promises of securing work visas to Canada and Australia.

The case, initially lodged at the Ago Okota Division, was later transferred to the SCID for deeper investigation. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained ₦500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims,” Hundeyin stated.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel and recruitment agencies. “Residents must exercise due diligence to avoid falling victim to such scams. The Command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements,” Jimoh said.

Further investigations uncovered that the syndicate includes other accomplices who are currently on the run. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to locate and arrest all individuals involved.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody as the investigation continues.

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Nigerian Air Force to acquire 49 new aircraft by 2026

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced plans for a major expansion of the Nigerian Air Force’s aerial fleet, with the acquisition of 49 state-of-the-art aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.Nearby concert tickets

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters in Abuja, Abubakar said the incoming aircraft will include three CASA 295 transport planes, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter jets.

“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively,” the Air Marshal stated during his address at the event themed, Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.

He underscored the need for NAF personnel to adopt advanced, innovative, and data-driven maintenance practices, stressing that the expansion in operational capability must be backed by robust engineering and logistics support systems.Nigerian fashion

“In the last two years, NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” Abubakar said.

He added that significant investments have already been made in logistics infrastructure, spare parts, and ground support tools to ensure that all operable aircraft are fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, also spoke at the event, describing aircraft engineering as “the backbone that supports the NAF’s mission and objectives.”

He said the rapidly evolving security landscape demanded a proactive and responsive approach to aircraft maintenance, and emphasized the importance of the annual conference as a platform for exchanging ideas, refining strategies, and promoting a culture of engineering excellence.

In addition to the planned acquisitions, the NAF has taken delivery of 15 new aircraft in the last two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air surveillance aircraft, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance planes.

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Bandits abduct ward councillor and others in Katsina

Armed bandits have abducted several people, including a ward councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 said the attack occurred on Monday night in Daudawa community.

According to the conflict journalist, the gunmen kidnapped Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, who serves as the councillor representing Daudawa ward, along with several other residents.

“Yesterday night, bandits invaded Daudawa in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. They abducted several people including the ward Councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

The exact number of abducted victims is still unknown at the time of filing this report.