The embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is once again at the center of controversy following leaked documents that allegedly reveal how she used threats and intimidation to pressure Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan into marriage.
According to the documents, Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose previous marriages had ended in failure, saw Chief Uduaghan as her final opportunity to attain marital legitimacy—particularly as she was preparing to contest for a Senate seat. The revelations come amid multiple scandals linked to her tenure, including a multi-billion Naira contract she allegedly secured from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during Godswill Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs.
Leaked Legal Demand for N10 Billion Compensation
A document dated November 19, 2020, and titled:
“IN THE MATTER OF BREACH OF PROMISE OF MARRIAGE, POISONING, FOETICIDE, INDUCING LOSS OF AMENITIES, ASSAULT, CAUSING FINANCIAL LOSS AND INDEBTEDNESS TO MS. NATASHA AKPOTI”,
reveals that the now-suspended lawmaker, through her legal representatives, sought N10 billion from Chief Uduaghan. The demand was framed as compensation for alleged financial losses, emotional distress, induced abortion, and a breach of promise to marry her.
The legal petition, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief B.C Igwilo, states that during their relationship, Akpoti-Uduaghan financially supported Chief Uduaghan and played a pivotal role in securing a $105 million gas asset for him.
Claims of Exploitation and Business Ties
The document further asserts that Chief Uduaghan:
- Publicly introduced Akpoti-Uduaghan as his wife, reinforcing her expectation of marriage.
- Benefited from her expertise as a financial and business advisor while she sacrificed her own economic opportunities.
- Borrowed N400 million from her, of which only N200 million had been repaid, leaving an outstanding N200 million debt.
“At all material times, you appropriated her entire life by cohabiting with her, planting armed guards at her residence, and taking control of her social life and routine,” the document reads.
The legal demand also accused Chief Uduaghan of violating her reproductive rights, leading to “loss and impairment of reproductive organs, feticide, pain, suffering, assault occasioning harm, and breach of promise of marriage.”
NDDC Contract Allegations and Link to Akpabio
Further fueling the controversy, the leaked document referenced an N7 billion NDDC and SMEDAN contract for the establishment of a technology development and business growth hub in Akwa Ibom. The contract was allegedly awarded to Akpoti-Uduaghan while Godswill Akpabio was Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs (2019-2022).
Notably, in 2023, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio, now the Senate President, of sexually harassing her during an event in Akwa Ibom—an allegation that Akpabio has strongly denied.
Senate Suspension and Power Struggles
Tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated after her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. She was later reassigned a new seat in the Senate Chamber, which she refused to occupy, instead accusing Akpabio of violating her rights without presenting any evidence.
Following a series of alleged “unparliamentary conducts,” the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months as part of its internal disciplinary measures.
These revelations further deepen the controversy surrounding Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political career, personal life, and financial dealings, raising critical questions about power, influence, and accountability within Nigeria’s political system.
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