The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to dismiss a petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio accusing her of criminal defamation and public incitement.
Rather, the lawmaker is demanding a full investigation into allegations that Akpabio is linked to threats against her life.
Before now, the Senate President had petitioned the police chief, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely accused him of plotting her assassination—a claim he described as a “heinous lie” intended to damage his reputation and incite public unrest.
But in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of attempting to derail investigations into the alleged threats by filing a counter-petition.
It reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the report that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a petition against our client, alleging incitement against his person.
“It is our client’s position that the Senate President should first submit himself for a full investigation by security agents regarding the alleged threats to her life.”
The statement further described Akpabio as a “principal suspect” in the alleged case, claiming that the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security details was done at his instruction.
Giwa also argued that until the allegations against the Senate President are thoroughly investigated and proven to be false, any counter-petition against his client is premature and aimed at diverting attention.
“We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to discontinue the Senate President’s petition as being diversionary and prejudicial to the ongoing investigation,” the statement added.