KEY POINTS

• Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello petitions the IGP to arrest Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged defamation, citing her public assassination plot claims.
• Bello’s legal team demands a retraction and apology, warning of prosecution under cybercrime laws, while the senator’s camp prepares a defense.
• The case intensifies political tensions in Kogi, with parties and legal experts divided on its implications for free speech and accountability.

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged defamatory statements.

The petition, filed through his lawyer N.A. Abubakar on Wednesday, accuses the Kogi Central senator of making “malicious and unsubstantiated allegations” against Bello during a public event in Okehi Local Government Area on April 1, 2025.

“Where she fails to substantiate her claims with credible evidence, cause her to be arrested and prosecuted for criminal defamation, inciting public disturbance, and spreading false information injurious to public peace,” the petition read. Bello’s legal team also sent a separate demand letter to Akpoti-Uduaghan, through lawyer R.O. Balogun, insisting on a “public retraction and apology” or face legal consequences.

The former governor alleges that the senator falsely accused him of involvement in an assassination plot during her homecoming event, violating Section 24(1)(b) of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. “Her statements have gravely damaged our client’s reputation, incited ethnic tension, and abused her parliamentary platform,” the petition stated.

Political tensions rise as senator stands firm

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal critic of Bello’s administration, has yet to publicly respond to the petition.

However, sources close to her suggest she intends to defend her statements, citing concerns over political violence in Kogi State.

Channelstv reports that the controversy has deepened existing divisions in Kogi Central, with supporters of both figures clashing on social media.

Legal experts weigh in on the case, noting that defamation suits involving high-profile politicians often face prolonged litigation. “The burden of proof lies on the accuser, but public figures must also demonstrate actual malice in such claims,” said constitutional lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. Meanwhile, civil society groups warn against using legal actions to stifle political dissent.

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Bello’s petition as “an intimidation tactic,” while the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains that the rule of law should prevail. The police are yet to confirm whether they will act on the petition.