KEY POINTS

• Senate President Akpabio petitions IGP to investigate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly claiming he plotted her assassination, calling it “criminal defamation.”
• The legal action follows a 2024 sexual harassment accusation by Akpoti-Uduaghan that led to her Senate suspension, highlighting an ongoing political feud.
• Security agencies have begun reviewing the case amid concerns over rising politically-motivated defamation suits ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding criminal investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over what he describes as “baseless and dangerous” assassination allegations.

The legal action, filed on April 3, 2025, follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public claim that Akpabio conspired with former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed in Kogi State.

The petition, obtained by SaharaReporters, reveals Akpabio’s vehement denial of the April 1 accusation made during a political gathering in Kogi. “This malicious fabrication aims not just to defame me but to incite violence and destabilize our democracy,” Akpabio stated in the document, which was also forwarded to Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi. The Senate President emphasized that the allegation—widely circulated across traditional and social media—lacks any evidentiary basis and poses risks to his personal safety.

A history of political feud comes to bail

According to SaharaReporters, this confrontation marks the latest escalation in a bitter rivalry dating back to 2024, when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim that led to her controversial suspension from the Senate.

Political analysts note the timing coincides with heightened tensions ahead of 2027 election preparations, particularly in the North Central zone where both figures wield influence.

Legal experts weigh in on the petition’s demands, which include charges under Sections 375 (criminal defamation) and 196 (false accusations) of Nigeria’s Penal Code. “The courts must determine whether this constitutes protected political speech or unlawful incitement,” said constitutional lawyer Adeola Adeniyi.

Meanwhile, civil society groups warn against weaponizing defamation laws to silence critics, with the Centre for Democracy observing a “troubling 40% increase” in such cases among politicians since 2023.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp has yet to formally respond, though allies suggest she stands by her claims. Security sources confirm the Police Force Headquarters has commenced preliminary review of the petition, while the Kogi State Police Command has reportedly placed the senator under discreet surveillance citing “threat assessment protocols.”