Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, has petitioned Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, urging an investigation into what he described as a false and malicious assassination allegation made against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a letter dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio accused the suspended Kogi Central Senator of criminal defamation and called for her prosecution.
The petition was also forwarded to Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
BusinessDay reports that the controversy stemmed from an April 1 statement by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a homecoming event in Kogi State, where she claimed that Akpabio directed Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State and incumbent Governor Usman Ododo to orchestrate her assassination.
Read also: Akpabio denies assassination allegation by Natasha, says claim malicious
She alleged the plot was designed to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death.
Describing the accusation as “a heinous lie,” Akpabio said it was a calculated attempt to smear his name and incite political unrest.
He maintained that there was no evidence to support the claim and warned of the dangerous implications of such a statement.
“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,” Akpabio said in the petition.
He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of deliberately manipulating public sentiment to tarnish his image and destabilise democratic institutions.
“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,” the Akpabio stated.
President of the Senate expressed concern over the widespread coverage of the allegation across radio, television, and social media platforms, saying the matter must be treated with urgency.
He urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan under relevant laws for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and actions likely to cause a breach of public peace.
