Akpabio petitions IGP, demands probe of Natasha Akpoti over assassination allegation

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, over the assassination allegation levelled against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kogi central senator.

Akpabio is seeking an immediate investigation and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan under relevant laws for “criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace”.

On April 1, while addressing her supporters during a homecoming event in Kogi state, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the senate president instructed Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, to assassinate her.

In the petition addressed to Egbetokun, the senate president said the allegation was a “heinous lie” designed to tarnish his reputation and incite public unrest.

Akpabio said the “severity of the false allegation” makes an urgent investigation imperative.

The senate president said public officeholders must be accountable for their statements, especially those capable of destabilising democratic institutions and tarnishing the image of elected officials.

“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,” Akpabio said.

“This statement is not only a heinous lie but also 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 and Akpoti-Uduaghan have been locked in a feud after they clashed at the upper chamber over seating arrangements.

Subsequently, the Kogi senator accused the senate president of sexually harassing her.

In March, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over “violation of senate rules” following the clash with Akpabio.