Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an investigation and prosecution of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for alleged criminal defamation.
The petition, dated April 3, 2025, follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusation on April 1, 2025, where she alleged Akpabio instructed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her in Kogi State.
Akpabio vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them “a heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to damage his reputation. He asserted the accusations were politically motivated and lacked any supporting evidence.
In his petition, also copied to Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Akpabio highlighted the widespread dissemination of the allegations across media platforms, including radio, television, and social media. He emphasized the severity of the false claims and their potential to incite public unrest.
“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,” Akpabio stated in his petition.
He urged the Inspector General of Police to treat the matter with urgency, calling for an “immediate investigation into the false and inciting allegation” and the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Akpabio stressed the importance of holding public officials accountable, particularly when their statements threaten democratic institutions and the reputation of elected leaders.
Akpabio Petitions IG, Demands Prosecution of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Assassination Allegation
