Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding an immediate investigation into what he called a “false and dangerous” assassination claim made by the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In the petition dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio strongly denied accusations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during her April 1 speech in Kogi State. Speaking at a public event with her supporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of directing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo to carry out an assassination plot against her in the state. She claimed the plan was to make it seem like the people of Kogi Central were behind her potential death.
In response, Akpabio described the allegations as completely false, calling them “a heinous lie” and “a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation.” He stated in the letter that the remarks were made without any proof and were meant to incite the public and cause political tension.
“The statement is not only baseless but was made with the clear intention to damage my character, endanger my safety, and provoke unrest in the country,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the accusation, widely shared across newspapers, TV stations, radio programs, and social media, poses a threat to national peace and could mislead the public if left unchecked.
Akpabio, in the petition which was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), requested the immediate prosecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breakdown of law and order.
He further noted that such public statements, especially coming from an elected official, can misguide citizens and harm the image of democratic institutions. Akpabio stressed the need to hold leaders accountable for inciting remarks that could lead to violence or public unrest.
“She made the allegation not just to damage my name but to stir public emotion and manipulate the narrative both locally and internationally,” he added.
