Akpabio withdraws all defamation suits after priest’s sermon

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the withdrawal of all ongoing defamation cases he filed against several individuals, saying he was moved to forgive them after attending a New Year church service.

Speaking at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo on Thursday, the Senate leader said he had initiated nearly nine lawsuits over allegations of defamation, falsehoods and slander.

However, while listening to a sermon during the service, he felt compelled to embrace reconciliation.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name. But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” Akpabio said.

Among the high-profile cases affected was a N200 billion defamation suit he brought against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her allegations of sexual harassment — claims he has consistently denied and challenged her to prove in court.

Earlier in 2025, Akpabio’s wife also filed separate defamation actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan over statements she said had damaged the family’s reputation.

With the New Year announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all his pending legal battles linked to defamation, signalling a fresh start as the year begins.