Natasha Accuses Police Of Bias In Handling Petitions Against Akpabio, Bello

Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of bias in handling her petitions against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello. In a formal letter dated May 19, 2025, addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that her complaints were deliberately stalled while a counter-petition against her was handled swiftly.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her legal counsel Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), alleged that the police response to her petitions was “discriminatory” and “preferential,” possibly influenced by the political status of Akpabio and Bello. The letter highlighted several petitions she filed between March and April 2025, including complaints about threats to her life, the unlawful withdrawal of her police security detail, and an alleged conspiracy to assassinate her by Akpabio and Bello.

Despite submitting the petitions and following up multiple times, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team accused the police of making no substantial efforts to investigate, including failing to interview witnesses or collect evidence. They suggested the lack of action was linked to Akpabio’s political power and noted that Bello, despite no longer having constitutional immunity, also seemed to be shielded from investigation.

The letter contrasted the lack of progress on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions with the rapid response to a counter-petition filed by Akpabio on April 3, accusing her of false accusations and criminal defamation. The police reportedly invited Akpoti-Uduaghan for questioning, but her legal team claims the materials she provided were ignored, and the police concluded their investigation into Akpabio’s petition quickly.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team believes this reflects an unfair, discriminatory executive action and a violation of the constitutional principles of fairness. In light of this, she has urged the Attorney General to invoke Section 105(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to review the case files and ensure justice is done.