Report: DSS, NIA probing Natasha Akpoti’s ‘unauthorised’ presence at IPU meeting in New York

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are reportedly probing how Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without official nomination.

According to Premium Times, the probe seeks to uncover how she secured accreditation, who facilitated her trip, and whether her participation was orchestrated to embarrass the Nigerian government.

The IPU, a global organisation of national parliaments, requires member countries to nominate delegates before meetings.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was said to have attended the IPU meeting despite not being authorised.

Premium Times said the joint investigation by the DSS and NIA was triggered by complaints from the senate.

The intelligence agencies are reportedly investigating whether Akpoti-Uduaghan obtained unauthorised credentials or if external facilitators aided her participation.

The probe is also expected to determine if her attendance breached IPU regulations or Nigerian national assembly protocol.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.

The allegation came in the wake of her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio at the red chamber. She was subsequently suspended from the senate for “gross misconduct” over the debacle.

Speaking at the IPU meeting on March 11, Akpoti-Uduaghan addressed her suspension, claiming it was designed to silence her over the sexual harassment allegation.

In response, the IPU said it would take steps to address her concerns and listen to both sides.

Subsequently, the senate responded through Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the house of representatives, who told the IPU meeting that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended over her allegations against the senate president.

Ogbara is the chairperson of the house committee on women affairs and social development, and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at the IPU meeting in New York.