The embattled President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has submitted a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, urging him to take action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over what he described as a “criminally defamatory” and inciting allegation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of orchestrating a plot to assassinate her.
Dated April 3 and copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Akpabio’s petition condemned the accusation as a “heinous lie” aimed at destroying his reputation, provoking unrest, and threatening his safety.
News Band reported that the face-off between the duo started after Akpoti-Uduaghan, during an April 1 speech in Kogi State, alleged that Akpabio plotted with former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to arrange her assassination in a way that would implicate her constituents.
Describing the claim as baseless and politically driven, Akpabio said it was a calculated attempt to malign him and stir public sentiment.
He urged the police to swiftly investigate and prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, incitement, and actions likely to breach the peace.
He also stressed the broad media spread of the claim and warned of its potential to destabilize national peace, calling for accountability from public figures making such damaging remarks.
In his petition, Akpabio said, “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,” Akpabio stated in his petition.
“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.”
He also expressed concern over the political motives behind the false claims, “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”.