Senator Natasha Alleges Police Bias in Handling Petitions Against Akpabio, Bello

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has accused the Nigerian Police of partiality in the way it is handling her petitions against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

In a letter dated May 19, 2025, addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, her legal counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), criticized the police for what he called a “disturbing pattern of preferential treatment” in favour of Akpabio.

“Our client submitted numerous petitions to the Nigeria Police against Senator Akpabio.

These petitions were clearly stated and submitted between March and April 2025, yet no meaningful steps have been taken to impartially investigate them.”

The petitions include serious allegations: a March 25 report about threats to her personal safety, a March 31 complaint concerning the unlawful removal of her police security detail, and an April 4 petition accusing Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. While the police acknowledged all three between March 26 and April 5, West-Idahosa noted that no interviews with witnesses have been conducted and investigations have stalled.

He implied that the political influence of the accused may be affecting the process:

“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.”

The letter also emphasized that Yahaya Bello, no longer enjoying immunity as a sitting governor, should be equally subject to investigation.

In contrast, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team expressed concern over the swift response given to a counter-petition filed by Akpabio on April 3, in which he accused her of defamation, false claims, and incitement. She was quickly summoned, gave a statement under caution, and even offered witnesses and evidence.

Despite this, her lawyers allege her own petitions and evidence were excluded from the police case file built around Akpabio’s complaint.

“Our client is concerned that investigations into her petitions have been severally and unjustly stalled in what appears to be a discriminatory executive action,” West-Idahosa stated, describing the conduct as a violation of the 1999 Constitution.