Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has officially petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an investigation into serious assassination allegations made against him by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a letter dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio categorically denied the accusations and called for the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation.
According to The PUNCH, the petition was also forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
The controversy erupted after Akpoti-Uduaghan, during a homecoming event in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, accused Akpabio of orchestrating an assassination plot against her.
She claimed that the Senate President had directed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to kill her in Kogi, making it appear as though her constituents were responsible for her death.
Akpabio strongly rejected the allegations, calling them “heinous lies” and “reckless” attempts to damage his reputation. In his petition, the Senate President labeled the accusations as politically motivated, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of trying to stir political unrest and undermine his public image.
“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 his letter.
He added that the accusation was made without any supporting evidence and appeared to be part of a larger plot to manipulate public opinion and malign him.
Akpabio emphasized the significant consequences of such a false allegation, particularly considering its widespread media coverage, including radio, television, and social media.
“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 also called for the immediate investigation of Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding her prosecution under relevant laws for criminal defamation, false accusations, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
“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,” Akpabio concluded.
