Akpabio Petitions IGP Over Assassination Claim by Suspended Kogi Senator Natasha

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has submitted a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an investigation into the alleged assassination plot against him, made by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The petition, which was submitted on April 3, 2025, denies the allegations and calls for the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation. A copy of the petition was also sent to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The move follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations on April 1, 2025, where, during a homecoming event in her Ihima hometown in Kogi State, she claimed that Akpabio had allegedly instructed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the incumbent Governor Usman Ododo to orchestrate her assassination in Kogi State. She further asserted that the assassination was meant to appear as if it was carried out by her constituents.

However, Akpabio vehemently denied the accusation, describing it as a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to damage his reputation. He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of making the claims for political reasons, with the aim of inciting political unrest and tarnishing his public image.

The Senate President emphasized that the serious allegations were made without any supporting evidence and had a far-reaching negative impact, especially with the widespread media coverage, including on radio, television, and social media platforms.

In his petition, Akpabio said, “I 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 April 1, 2025. This was widely publicized on various media platforms, including radio stations, television, and social media.”

He went on to state, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed former Governor 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. This statement is not only a malicious lie but also a reckless attempt to tarnish my reputation, endanger my security, and incite political unrest.”

Akpabio categorically rejected the accusations, calling them “completely false, unfounded, and politically motivated.” He pointed out that the allegations were made with the intention of discrediting him and manipulating public sentiment.

The Senate President further added that such baseless accusations, which could destabilize the nation’s democratic institutions, must be treated with utmost seriousness by law enforcement agencies.

“The severity of this false allegation, particularly the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it imperative for law enforcement agencies to handle this matter with the urgency it deserves,” Akpabio said.

He called for the “immediate investigation into this false and inciting allegation” and demanded the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and actions likely to cause a breach of peace.