Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding a full investigation and subsequent prosecution of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over an alleged assassination plot accusation.
In a letter dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that he orchestrated a plan to have her killed. He described the allegation as “criminally defamatory, politically motivated, and dangerously false.”
The petition, also addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), follows comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during her April 1 homecoming speech in Kogi State.
The senator had accused Akpabio of instructing former Governor Yahaya Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo to carry out an assassination plot against her in Kogi, intending to frame it as an act by her constituents.
“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,” Akpabio stated in the petition.
Akpabio dismissed the allegation as baseless and “entirely fabricated”, asserting that it was designed to stir public outrage and paint him as a political villain.
He further criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for attempting to manipulate public sentiment and destabilize democratic institutions, saying her statements were “made without a shred of evidence.”
“Her motive was clear — to incite the public, manipulate emotions, and malign both my person and my office,” Akpabio added.
In his petition, the Senate President urged the Nigeria Police Force and relevant authorities to act swiftly, citing the widespread publicity the allegation had received across radio, television, and social media platforms.
He called for the immediate investigation of the claims and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, under existing Nigerian laws.
This incident comes amid heightened political tensions and follows previous legal entanglements involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including defamation suits against other political figures.
