Nigerian Government Sues Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Assassination Claims
Abuja, May 22, 2025 – The Nigerian government has initiated legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to assassinate her. The suit was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant15.
Background and Allegations
During a televised interview on April 3, 2025, on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio and Bello held discussions to “eliminate” her. She alleged that Akpabio instructed Bello to orchestrate the assassination outside Abuja to deflect suspicion. She also questioned why her security detail was withdrawn, suggesting it was intended to make her vulnerable to attacks. These accusations followed earlier claims she made against Akpabio for sexual harassment, which he has denied.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated:
“Just ask the Senate President why did he withdraw my security if not to make me vulnerable to attacks… I have been a high-profile, vulnerable individual because of the nature of politics I have had since 2018.”
She further alleged that Akpabio and Bello met on March 14, 2025, to discuss her recall, assassination, and the installation of a replacement candidate for the 2027 elections.
Legal Charges and Proceedings
The government accuses the senator of criminal defamation under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, which prohibits making imputations that harm a person’s reputation. The offence carries penalties under Section 392 of the same law.
The charges include three counts primarily concerning libel—two against Akpabio and one against Bello. The government alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly made statements that could damage the reputations of both politicians.
The case, filed on May 15, 2025, is awaiting assignment to a judge, and no trial date has been set. The government plans to call witnesses including Senate President Akpabio, former Governor Bello, police investigators, and other officials.
Related Legal Matters and Political Context
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is also involved in a separate lawsuit challenging her six-month suspension from the Senate, which was imposed after her allegations against Akpabio. The suspension was officially due to “unruly and disruptive” conduct during Senate debates, but her supporters contend it was retaliatory.
The conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated earlier in 2025 after changes in Senate seating arrangements and her vocal accusations of harassment and political intimidation.
In addition, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N5 billion defamation suit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi over disparaging remarks made against her during a TV interview.
Current Status
As of now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not publicly responded to the criminal charges. The case has intensified political tensions and is closely watched as it unfolds in Nigeria’s judiciary
