Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an investigation into a claim of an assassination plot against him made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In the petition, dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio rejected the accusation and called for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prosecution for criminal defamation. The petition also went to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The petition follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public outburst on April 1, 2025, during a speech in Kogi State, where she alleged that Akpabio had instructed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her in the state, intending to blame her death on her constituents.
Akpabio strongly denied the allegation, calling it a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to ruin his reputation.
In his petition, the Senate President argued that the accusation was politically motivated and designed to cause unrest and damage his public image. He emphasised that the claim was unsupported by any evidence.
“The 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 stated in the petition.
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He further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to manipulate public opinion and undermine his position.
Akpabio called for a “swift investigation and prosecution” of Akpoti-Uduaghan for making the false and inciting allegations, which have been widely circulated across media platforms.
The Senate President stressed the urgency of the matter due to the widespread media attention the accusation has garnered, urging law enforcement to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
He concluded his petition by reaffirming the need to hold public figures accountable for statements that destabilise democratic institutions, asserting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions were aimed at discrediting elected officials.
This latest petition follows an earlier dispute in which Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, leading to her suspension by the Senate for alleged misconduct. The ongoing feud has sparked significant political discourse across Nigeria.