Alleged Assassination Plot: Akpabio petitions IGP, AGF calls for prosecution of Natasha
By Tom Okpe
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking an investigation into an alleged assassination plot made against him by the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Though, the petition letter dated April 3rd 2025, the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs denied the serious accusation, calling for the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation.
The petition, which was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations on April 1, 2025, while addressing her supporters, at her homecoming event in Kogi State.
Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her in Kogi State, claiming that the act was intended to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death.
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However, Akpabio categorically denied the accusation in his petition, describing it, as a ‘heinous lie, reckless and deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.’
The Senate President labelled the allegation as politically motivated, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite political unrest and damage his public image, stressing that the allegation was made without supporting evidence.
Akpabio further, urged law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with every seriousness it deserved.
The petition reads: “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, 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.
“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, made without shred of truth or supporting evidence.
“This statement is not only a heinous lie, but, a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and incite political unrest.”
Akpabio added that the statement was intended to manipulate public sentiment and malign his person and office, emphasizing the importance of holding public officeholders accountable for their actions, particularly, when such statements are intended to destabilise democratic institutions and tarnish the image of elected officials.
He also, called for immediate investigation
into the false and inciting allegation, and the prosecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan under the relevant provisions of the law, for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct, likely to cause a breach of peace.
“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.”
