'Assassination': Akpabio denies allegation, asks police to prosecute Natasha - Daily Trust (2025)

However, in the petition dated April 3, Akpabio while denying the allegations, demanded that the Nigeria Police Force, investigate and prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation of character.

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The petition also copied to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations as a heinous lie and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image.

“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 stated.

Akpabio said the Kogi lawmaker’s allegation is politically motivated with the purpose of inciting unrest and damage in reputation.

“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,” the Senate President said.