Senate President Godswill Akpabio has submitted a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an investigation into an alleged assassination plot against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In the petition, dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio denied the serious accusations and demanded the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation.
The petition, which was also forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public statement on April 1, 2025, in which she accused Akpabio of allegedly directing former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to have her assassinated in Kogi State.
She claimed that the assassination was intended to falsely implicate her constituents in her death.
Akpabio strongly denied the accusation, calling it a “heinous lie” and an intentional attempt to damage his reputation.
In the petition, the Senate President referred to the allegation as politically motivated, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of trying to stir political unrest and tarnish his image.
He pointed out that the claim was made without any evidence to support it.
Akpabio emphasized the negative impact the false allegation has had, especially considering the wide media coverage it received across radio, television, and social media platforms.
He called for the matter to be treated with the seriousness it warrants by law enforcement.
Akpabio’s petition read: “I am writing to formally request an immediate investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, following a malicious and false statement she made against me on April 1, 2025. This statement was widely broadcasted on radio, TV, and social media.
“During her speech in Kogi State, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely claimed that I instructed the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja, intending to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death.”
“This statement is not only a grievous lie but also a deliberate and reckless attempt to damage my reputation, jeopardize my safety, and incite political unrest. It is entirely false and politically motivated, and the public accusation was made without any credible evidence.”
The Senate President further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to manipulate public sentiment, malign his character, and destabilize his office.
“She clearly intended to incite the public and tarnish my image and office, both domestically and internationally,” Akpabio said.
Given the wide attention the allegation garnered, Akpabio urged law enforcement agencies to treat the issue with urgency and thoroughness.
He called for an “immediate investigation into the inciting allegation” and for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be prosecuted under the law for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusations, and conduct likely to disturb public peace.
Akpabio stressed the need for accountability among public officeholders, especially when their statements threaten the stability of democratic institutions or seek to destroy the reputations of elected officials.
This petition follows a previous incident where Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, which led to her suspension by the Senate for alleged misconduct.
The ongoing dispute between the two senators continues to stir political debate across the country.
