Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an immediate investigation into the serious allegations made by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio has accused her of making false statements in an attempt to defame his character and jeopardize his reputation.
The petition, submitted on April 3, 2025, follows a public accusation by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who alleged that Akpabio had orchestrated an assassination attempt against her, with the intention of blaming her death on her constituents. According to the claims, Akpabio allegedly collaborated with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to have Akpoti-Uduaghan killed in Kogi State rather than Abuja. The allegations, made during her homecoming address in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, have sent shockwaves across the country.
Akpabio has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them a “heinous lie” and a politically motivated attack aimed at tarnishing his public image. In his petition to the IG, Akpabio urged law enforcement to treat the matter with utmost seriousness, stressing that such allegations were baseless and posed a danger to his life, security, and political standing. He also accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite political unrest and manipulate public opinion.
“This is a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my security, and destabilize our democratic institutions,” Akpabio stated in his petition. “The false claim, widely publicized across multiple media platforms, is a clear attempt at character assassination and political blackmail.”
The Senate President further explained that the accusation was made without any evidence to support it, labelling it a malicious act designed to manipulate public sentiment and create division within Nigeria’s political landscape. The severity of the claim, given its extensive media coverage, has prompted Akpabio to seek swift legal action, calling for Akpoti-Uduaghan to face charges for criminal defamation, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Akpabio emphasized that public officials must be held accountable for their actions, especially when such statements are made to undermine the integrity of elected leaders and destabilize the political environment. He has called for a full investigation into the matter and urged the police to prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan to the full extent of the law.
As the matter unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the Nigerian police will handle this high-profile case, which has sparked intense debate within the political community. With Akpabio demanding justice and Akpoti-Uduaghan standing by her claims, the legal and political implications of this feud are bound to escalate in the coming days.