Akpabio-Natasha Crisis Festers Amid Assassination Allegations

• Accusation Is False, Fabricated, Irresponsible, Dangerous-Akpabio
• Says Formal Legal Action Is Underway
• Court Gags Parties From Media Comments, Social Media Streams 

The crisis between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to generate controversy.

Akpabio has firmly denied recent claims by Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging he conspired with former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her assassinated.

In a statement released Friday in Abuja by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the accusation as “false, malicious, and entirely fabricated.”

The Matrix Newspaper reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan had made the claim during a speech to her supporters in Kogi on Wednesday, alleging Akpabio asked Bello to have her killed in Kogi rather than Abuja. The Kogi State Government has since dismissed the accusation.

Akpabio responded strongly: “This outrageous accusation is not only false but a complete fabrication—an irresponsible and dangerous attempt to provoke public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit me and the Senate presidency.”

He further noted that this was not her first unsubstantiated accusation.

“She previously made false allegations of sexual harassment against me, which she quietly abandoned. Now, she has escalated to an even more defamatory narrative.”

Akpabio also highlighted a pattern, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously made similar accusations against others in 2019 and 2023.

In the same statement, Akpabio addressed comments made by ex-Senator Elisha Abbo, who accused him of orchestrating his removal from the National Assembly. Abbo had made the claim during a live appearance on Arise TV. Akpabio denied any involvement and called the allegation “baseless.”

“Abbo publicly apologized in 2023 for this very claim. His removal was a legal decision by the Court of Appeal based on electoral law,” the statement read.

Akpabio said he suspects a “coordinated smear campaign” by the two former senators and their allies, adding that their “timing, tone, and similarity” point to political motives.

“Formal legal action is underway, including letters demanding public retractions, apologies, and compensation for reputational damage.”

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a gag order restraining all parties involved in the lawsuit filed by suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Akpabio and three others from speaking to the media or streaming court proceedings on social media.

Justice Binta Nyako issued the directive on Friday following a complaint by Akpabio’s legal counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who alleged that Senator Natasha had been making media rounds, granting interviews on matters relating to the ongoing case.

Responding to the concerns, Justice Nyako ruled that none of the parties or their legal representatives should engage the press or make public comments concerning the subject of the case.

“There shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers as regard the subject matter of the case,” the judge declared.

Additionally, the court prohibited live streaming or dissemination of courtroom proceedings on any social media platform.

The legal dispute stems from Senator Natasha’s ongoing battle with Senate President Akpabio, in a matter that has drawn significant public interest and political attention.