Senate President Godswill Akpabio has submitted a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over what he describes as a “criminally defamatory and inciting” allegation.
The petition, dated April 3, is also addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). It centers on claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a public speech in Kogi State on April 1. In her address, she alleged that Akpabio had instructed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her, intending to make it appear as though the attack came from her own constituents.
Akpabio has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a “heinous lie” and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation, endanger his life, and incite political unrest. He described the claims as politically motivated, baseless, and a form of character assassination.
In his petition, Akpabio called for swift action by law enforcement agencies, urging the investigation and prosecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on charges including criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and actions likely to cause a breach of public peace. He stressed the serious consequences of the allegation, particularly due to its wide coverage across television, radio, newspapers, and social media.
“The severity of this false claim, and its widespread circulation, demands urgent attention from law enforcement,” Akpabio stated.
The petition concludes with Akpabio emphasizing the need to hold public officials accountable for statements that could undermine national peace and democratic institutions. This latest development follows a previous controversy between the two senators, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim that led to her suspension from the Senate over alleged misconduct.
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