Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, demanding an investigation into the assassination allegations against him by Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“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 April 1, 2025, and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the social media,” Mr Akpabio wrote in a petition dated April 3, 2025.

During a Sallah visit to her constituency earlier this month, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, alleged Mr Akpabio colluded with the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to commence her recall and assassination.

The politician said Mr Akpabio initially contacted Usman Ododo to commence her recall, but the state’s incumbent governor “told him it would be impossible because the masses are with her.”

However, Mr Akpabio, in his petition, described the allegations as a deliberate and reckless attempt to drag his reputation in the mud, asking the police to prosecute the lawmaker.

“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,” Mr Akpabio insisted.

He added, “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.”

Mr Akpabio accused Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of “inciting the public, manipulating sentiments and maligning his person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community.”

The senate president demanded that the police investigate the allegation under the provisions of relevant law for criminal defamation.

“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.

“I call for an immediate investigation into the false and inciting allegation and the prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan under the relevant provisions of the law for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace,” Mr Akpabio noted.