Akpabio petitions IGP, demands prosecution of Natasha over ‘assassination’ claim
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, calling for an investigation into what he describes as a baseless assassination allegation made against him by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Akpabio filed the petition on April 3, 2025, denying any involvement in the alleged plot and urging authorities to prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation.
The letter, also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), followed public comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a homecoming event in Kogi State on April 1, 2025.
During the event, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio directed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her in Kogi, in a way that would implicate her own constituents.
Akpabio dismissed the allegation outright, describing it as a “heinous lie” and “a reckless and deliberate attempt” to smear his name and create political instability.
He insisted the accusations were politically driven and lacked any factual basis, stressing that no evidence had been presented to support the claims.
Akpabio also expressed concern about the damage caused by the widespread media coverage of the allegations, which circulated across television, radio, newspapers, and social media platforms.
He urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively in addressing the matter.
“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 the 1st of April, 2025 and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the 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.
“I categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, unfounded, and politically motivated. It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain, and the statement was made without any shred of truth or supporting evidence.”
Akpabio further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of seeking to manipulate public perception and damage the credibility of his office.
He stressed the importance of accountability for public officials, especially when statements have the potential to incite unrest and erode trust in democratic institutions.
“Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community.
“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.
He concluded by calling for a thorough investigation into the claims and for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be prosecuted under laws addressing criminal defamation, incitement, false accusations, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
