Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate an alleged assassination plot against him by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio’s petition, dated April 3, 2025, denies the serious accusation and calls for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prosecution for criminal defamation.
The petition follows claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 1, 2025, during her homecoming event in Kogi State, where she accused Akpabio of orchestrating an assassination plot with the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the plot was intended to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death.
Akpabio vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as “heinous lies” and “reckless attempts” to tarnish his reputation. He labeled the claims as politically motivated and accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of trying to incite political unrest and damage his public image without presenting any evidence to support her statements.
In his petition to the police, Akpabio emphasized the damaging effect the false allegations had on his reputation, particularly given their widespread coverage across various media platforms, including radio, television, and social media.
He wrote: “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 called for an urgent investigation into the false and inciting allegations and the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He further stressed the need to hold public officeholders accountable for such statements, which threaten democratic institutions and tarnish the image of elected officials.
