FG FILES CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST SENATOR NATASHA OVER ASSASSINATION CLAIMS
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Federal Government has filed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
The charges were filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria listed as the complainant and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
The Allegations
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made the allegations during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on April 3, 2025. She claimed that Akpabio and Bello conspired to have her eliminated, and that Akpabio had instructed Bello to ensure her killing did not occur in Abuja, but rather in Kogi State, to make it seem like the people had killed her.
The Charges
The government accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” citing Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offense is punishable under Section 392 of the same law .
Background
The allegations against Akpabio and Bello stem from a long-standing feud between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President. Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, which led to her suspension from the Senate for six months. The suspension was attributed to “misconduct” rather than her allegations .
Senator’s Claim of Threats
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also claimed that her security detail was withdrawn shortly before the alleged threats, which she believed was a deliberate attempt to expose her to danger. She stated, “Just ask the Senate President why did he withdraw my security if not to make me vulnerable to attacks”.
The case has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the safety of lawmakers and the rule of law in Nigeria. The outcome of the case remains to be seen, as the court deliberates on the charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
