Assassination claim: Dismiss Akpabio’s petition, Natasha urges IGP

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to dismiss a petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing her of criminal defamation and public incitement.

She has instead called for a full investigation into allegations linking Akpabio to threats against her life.

During her Sallah visit to her constituents on April 1, the senator accused Akpabio of allegedly directing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the current governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to assassinate her and then frame her constituents for the act.

In response, Akpabio submitted a petition to the police chief, dated April 3, 2025, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely accused him of plotting her assassination—a claim he described as a “heinous lie” intended to tarnish his reputation and incite public unrest.

Describing the accusation as politically motivated, Akpabio urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, stating that the allegation was made without any supporting evidence.

ALSO READ: Badaru calls for enhanced defence collaboration with Pakistan

He also forwarded the petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, calling for the prosecution of the Kogi senator for criminal defamation.

However, in a statement released on Saturday through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of attempting to derail investigations into the alleged threats by filing a counter-petition.

According to her, Akpabio should first submit himself to security agencies for investigation regarding the threats to her life.

“Our attention has been drawn to reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a petition against our client, alleging incitement against his person.

“It is our client’s position that the Senate President should first submit himself for a full investigation by security agents concerning the alleged threats to her life,” the statement reads in part.

The statement described Akpabio as a “principal suspect” in the case and claimed that the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security details was carried out on his instruction.

Her counsel further argued that unless the allegations against the Senate President are thoroughly investigated and proven false, any counter-petition against his client is premature and intended to divert attention.

“We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to discontinue the Senate President’s petition, as it is diversionary and prejudicial to the ongoing investigation,” the statement concluded.