Akpabio Petitions IG, Wants Criminal Libel Slammed on Natasha for Alleging Assassination Against Him

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, demanding an immediate investigation and prosecution of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over what he described as criminal defamation and false accusations related to an alleged assassination plot.

The petition, dated April 3, 2025, follows a public statement made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a homecoming event in Kogi State on April 1. Speaking to her supporters, the suspended senator alleged that Akpabio instructed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and incumbent Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her within the state.

According to her, the plot was to be staged in a manner that would implicate her own constituents as the perpetrators.

Akpabio, in his letter to the IGP, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “a heinous lie” and a calculated attempt to incite unrest and damage his personal and political reputation.

He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of making a “reckless and deliberate” public statement with no evidence to support her claims.

“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.

“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,” Akpabio insisted.

The petition was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

Akpabio stressed the seriousness of the accusation, pointing out that it was widely reported in the media, including on television, radio, newspapers, and social media platforms.

Quoting the specific allegation made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio said: “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.”

He further asserted that the accusation was politically motivated and aimed at casting him as a villain in the eyes of the public and the international community, adding, “It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination designed to manipulate public sentiment and malign my person and office.”

The Senate President called on law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with urgency, stating that false allegations of such magnitude particularly when made by a public official pose a direct threat to democratic stability.

“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he added.

Akpabio concluded his petition by urging the police to invoke all relevant legal provisions in prosecuting Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

As of the time of this report, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not publicly responded to Akpabio’s petition.