Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling for action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central District over alleged defamatory statements. The petition, submitted on Wednesday by Bello’s legal representative, N.A. Abubakar, accuses the senator of spreading false and malicious information that, according to Bello, threatens his reputation and public safety.
The petition demands that the police invite Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide credible evidence to support her claims. If she fails to do so, the former governor is urging the police to arrest and prosecute the senator for criminal defamation, inciting public disturbance, and spreading false information that could harm public peace.
In addition to the petition to the IGP, Bello’s legal team also reached out directly to Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding a formal retraction of her statements and a public apology. The correspondence threatens legal action if the senator does not comply.
Defamation and Assassination Allegations
The controversy stems from remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a homecoming event on April 1, 2025, in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. According to Bello’s petition, the senator accused him of being involved in a plot to assassinate political opponents and falsely implicated him in an alleged conspiracy to stage a murder disguised as ethnic or mob violence.
Bello’s legal team argues that these accusations severely damage his reputation, portraying him as a violent and malicious political figure. They also claim that the senator’s statements are an attempt to incite political and ethnic divisions, particularly among the Ebiraland community in Kogi Central.
“These allegations have gravely damaged our client’s reputation by portraying him as a violent and vengeful political actor. This malicious act misled the public, incited political and ethnic distrust, and endangered the personal safety of our client,” the petition states.
The legal action references Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public statements constitute a breach of the law by spreading falsehoods in a politically sensitive environment. The solicitor further asserts that the senator has abused her parliamentary status and public platform to propagate damaging lies without presenting any credible evidence.
Political Fallout and Legal Consequences
The defamation allegations come at a tense time in Kogi State’s political landscape, with both Bello and Akpoti-Uduaghan playing prominent roles in the state’s power dynamics. As the 2027 elections draw near, the accusations have added fuel to the already heated political environment, where public figures are under increasing scrutiny.
Bello’s legal team has made it clear that they are prepared to take the matter to court if the senator does not retract her statements, emphasizing that the stakes are not just political but personal.
In a statement to the press, Bello’s lawyer emphasized the gravity of the situation: “This is not just about defamation; it’s about ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions have the potential to harm someone’s reputation, career, and safety. If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot substantiate her claims, she must face the consequences.”
