Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the controversial senator from Kogi Central, has accused the Nigerian Police of being biased in the way they handled her case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a letter dated May 19, 2025, to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Akpoti-Uduaghan characterized the actions of the police as a “disturbing pattern of preferential treatment” in favor of Senator Akpabio.
Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), her attorney, signed the letter, which noted that no significant efforts had been made to conduct an unbiased investigation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions.
“Our client filed multiple petitions against Senator Akpabio with the Nigeria Police,” the letter said.
“Despite being explicitly stated and filed between March and April 2025, no significant action has been taken to conduct an unbiased investigation into these petitions.”
Among the petitions under consideration are:
a report dated March 25th that said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s personal safety was in danger.
a petition on March 31 regarding her police protection detail’s illegal removal.
a petition filed on April 4th, alleging that Yahaya Bello and Akpabio plotted her murder.
Between March 26 and April 5, the police acknowledged all three petitions; nonetheless, West-Idahosa claims that no attempt has been made to speak with witnesses or move the investigations along.
“It is obvious that this unwillingness to thoroughly and impartially investigate the petitions may be due to the high political office occupied by Senator Godswill Akpabio,” he said, hinting that the accused’s political positions may have an impact on their reluctance to act.
The letter further emphasized that Yahaya Bello, who is no longer the governor in office, should be investigated because he is not protected by constitutional immunity.
Read Also: Suspect Admits Killing Kwara Student for Money Ritual Purposes
In stark contrast, the legal team for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized the prompt handling of a counterpetition that Akpabio filed on April 3.
She had been charged by the Senate President with provocation, criminal defamation, and false accusations.
The police quickly invited Akpoti-Uduaghan, who made a cautious speech and reiterated her pleas while providing witnesses and proof.
But according to her attorneys, the case file pertaining to Akpabio’s allegation did not contain any of her petitions or supporting documentation.
According to West-Idahosa, the conduct violates the 1999 Constitution. “Our client is concerned that investigations into her petitions have been severally and unjustly stalled in what appears to be a discriminatory executive action,” she said.
