Police ask Natasha Akpoti to cancel homecoming event over ‘security threat’

The Kogi police command has asked Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally in the central senatorial district of the state.

Miller Dantawaye, Kogi police commissioner, gave the directive on Tuesday in a statement issued by William Aya, the command’s spokesperson.

“Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State,” the statement reads.

“The call for cancellation becomes necessary as intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State.

“The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.

“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State.

“As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.”

On Monday, the state government announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing “credible security reports”.

A statement by Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information, said the measure was taken to avert threats that could destabilise the state.

Afterwards, the media office of Akpoti-Uduaghan said her planned visit to Kogi central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations will proceed as scheduled.

The senator’s team also assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and joyous event.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has been making the headlines following her six-month suspension from the senate and the sexual harassment allegations she levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

On March 26, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notified the Kogi senator of a recall petition from some members of her constituency.

The constituents had submitted the recall petition to INEC after reportedly collecting signatures of 250,000 votes from 488,000 registered voters.