By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, asking him to investigate the assassination allegations levelled against him by the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The petition, which the Akpabio’s Media Office had confirmed was dated April 3, 2025.
In the official document, Akpabio denied the claims made by the Kogi Central Senator during a Sallah address on April 1 in her hometown of Obeiba-Ijioma, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi state.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of allegedly directing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the incumbent Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to assassinate her and frame her constituents for the act.
Akpabio however, described the claims as “heinous lies” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his reputation,
The Senate President urged the police to probe the matter thoroughly.
He also forwarded the petition to Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, seeking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prosecution for criminal defamation.
Akpabio further described the allegations as politically motivated and aimed at inciting unrest and damaging his public image.
Part of the petition read, “I write to 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, which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions, and newspapers, including social media.
“In the public outburst at Kogi State while addressing her audience, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji 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 heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest.”
The Senate President noted that the allegation was made without any supporting evidence, adding that the widespread media coverage it received further exacerbated the impact of the false claim.
He said, “The severity of this false allegation and its public traction make it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves.”
He called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan under the relevant provisions of the law.
