Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has submitted a formal complaint to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding alleged defamatory remarks made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central District.
In a petition dated Wednesday and signed by his attorney, N.A. Abubakar, Bello urged the police to summon Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide credible evidence supporting her claims against him.
“Should she fail to do so, we request her arrest and prosecution under the law for criminal defamation, inciting public unrest, and disseminating false information detrimental to public order,” the lawyer stated.
Additionally, the former governor, through his legal representative R.O. Balogun, has reached out to Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding a retraction and a public apology for the alleged defamatory statements. He warned that failure to comply would result in legal action.
Bello accused the senator of “maliciously” defaming him and making assassination allegations during a homecoming event on April 1, 2025, in the Okehi Local Government Area. He asserted that her actions violated Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015.
“By accusing our client of being involved in an assassination plot and naming him as a co-conspirator in a supposed murder scheme (attempting to disguise the act as mob or ethnic violence), Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has:
“Severely tarnished our client’s reputation by depicting him as a violent and vengeful political figure, misleading the public and attempting to incite ethnic and political discord, particularly among the clans of Ebiraland and the broader Kogi Central community.
“Brought his name into disrepute based on an allegation so serious that, if unchallenged, could jeopardize his political career and personal safety; and misused her parliamentary position by spreading such unfounded claims without evidence in a highly public and politically charged environment,” the attorney remarked.
