Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has formally requested an investigation from the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, regarding an alleged assassination plot against him, which was purportedly orchestrated by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.Akpabio submitted his petition to the police chief in a letter dated April 3, 2025.
In his petition, Akpabio vehemently denied the accusation and called for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prosecution for criminal defamation. The petition follows a claim made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 1, 2025, during her homecoming event in Kogi State.Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of conspiring with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to arrange her assassination in Kogi, allegedly intending to blame her constituents for the crime.
Akpabio dismissed these allegations, describing them as a heinous lie and malicious attempt to damage his reputation. He described the accusation as politically motivated and designed to incite unrest while undermining his public image.
The Senate President further emphasized that the allegations lacked any credible evidence.The Senate President expressed concern about the damaging impact of such false claims, especially as they gained widespread attention across multiple media channels, including radio, television, and social media.
Akpabio called on law enforcement to treat the issue with the gravity it deserves and ensure a thorough investigation into the matter.He said, “I write to formally bring to your attention and seek immediate investigation and prosecution of a criminally defamatory and malicious statement made against me by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a suspended member of the Nigerian Senate on the 1st of April, 2025 and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the social media.
“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.
“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.
“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 further stated that the allegation was a deliberate attempt to manipulate public opinion and undermine both his personal integrity and the office he holds.
He stressed the necessity of holding public officials accountable, particularly when false statements are made with the intent to disrupt democratic institutions and damage the reputations of elected leaders.
“Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community.“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he added.Akpabio also demanded an urgent investigation into the false and inflammatory claims, urging the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan in accordance with the law for criminal defamation, incitement, making false accusations, and actions likely to disrupt public peace.
