By Christopher Sunday
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, calling for an immediate investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over what he describes as a false and damaging assassination allegation.
The petition, dated April 3, 2025, and copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), follows a public statement made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 1, 2025, during a speech in Kogi State. In her address, she claimed that Akpabio had instructed former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to assassinate her in Kogi State to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death.
Akpabio firmly denied the accusation, describing it as “a heinous lie” and “a reckless and deliberate attempt” to malign his reputation, endanger his life, and destabilize the political atmosphere. He maintained that the statement was politically motivated and completely devoid of evidence.
“This is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination intended to present me as a political villain,” Akpabio stated in his petition. “The claim was made without a shred of truth and is designed to incite public sentiment against me and my office.”
The Senate President expressed grave concern over the wide circulation of the allegation across traditional and social media platforms, noting the damage it could cause to public trust and political stability. He urged law enforcement to handle the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
Akpabio accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently suspended from the Senate for alleged misconduct, of attempting to manipulate public opinion and provoke unrest. He called for her prosecution under relevant laws for criminal defamation, false accusation, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
“The motive was clear: to incite the public, manipulate emotions, and malign my person and office before Nigerians and the global community,” he emphasized.
This petition adds a new layer to the ongoing public feud between the two lawmakers. It also follows a previous incident where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation that played a role in her suspension from the upper legislative chamber.
The unfolding conflict has sparked widespread public interest and intensified conversations around political accountability, personal conduct, and the boundaries of political discourse in Nigeria.
