Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as a false and criminally defamatory claim made by the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a letter dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio urged the police to investigate and prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan following her recent public allegation that he masterminded a plot to assassinate her.
The petition, also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, came in response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s April 1, 2025, address during her homecoming in Kogi State.
In her speech, the suspended senator accused Akpabio of directing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo to kill her in Kogi State and frame the act as a local attack by her constituents.
Reacting to the claim, Akpabio described the statement as a “heinous lie” and “a reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his image.
He stated in the petition, “I write to formally bring to your attention and seek immediate investigation and prosecution of a criminally defamatory and malicious statement made against me by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a suspended member of the Nigerian Senate on the 1st of April, 2025 and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the social media.
“In the public outburst at Kogi State while addressing her audience, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ‘assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja’ with the intent of making it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death.
“This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest.
“I categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, unfounded, and politically motivated. It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain, and the statement was made without any shred of truth or supporting evidence.”
Akpabio emphasized the impact of the allegation on his public image, particularly due to its widespread media coverage. He further argued that the statement was aimed at manipulating public opinion and inciting political instability.
“Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community.
“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he added.
The Senate President concluded by demanding an immediate investigation into the matter and urged the relevant authorities to prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan under laws relating to criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and actions likely to breach public peace.
