2 days Ago By NewsDirect
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) following what he describes as defamatory and inciteful remarks made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently suspended from representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.In a petition dated Wednesday, 16 April 2025, and signed by his solicitor, Mr N.A.
Abubakar, Bello called on the IGP to summon Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to present verifiable evidence to back her allegations. Failing that, he requested that she be arrested and prosecuted for criminal defamation, incitement, and dissemination of false information capable of disturbing public peace.The petition described the senator’s claims as not only unfounded and provocative, but also as serious violations of Nigerian law.
“These utterances amount to criminal defamation, false accusation, and incitement to public disorder,” the petition read.In a parallel move, Bello has issued a formal demand through his legal team, led by Chief R.O.
Balogun, SAN & Co., requiring a public apology and retraction from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for statements she made during a political gathering on 1 April 2025 in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.“Our client’s attention has been drawn to a most disturbing and criminally defamatory statement made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during a political event tagged ‘Homecoming Rally’,” the letter stated.
At the rally, the senator alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed Yahaya Bello to initiate her recall and fund the operation. She went further, accusing the former governor of being part of a plot to assassinate her, with specific claims that the plan involved disguising her killing as a case of local violence.The solicitor noted: “These statements, broadcast during a politically charged event and widely circulated on social media, have caused serious reputational harm and exposed our client to potential threats to his personal safety.
”Citing Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, the petition argued that the senator’s actions constitute a deliberate act of misinformation using electronic media, with the intention of damaging the former governor’s reputation. Additionally, it references Sections 114 and 140 of the Penal Code (applicable in Northern Nigeria), which criminalise the dissemination of false information intended to mislead the public or public officers.
The petition accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to portray Bello as a violent political actor, stoke division within the Kogi Central community, and manipulate public sentiment for political gain.Further excerpts from the letter allege that “by naming our client in an alleged murder conspiracy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has deeply maligned his character, misled the public, and attempted to provoke ethnic and political tensions among the people of Ebiraland and Kogi Central at large.”The petition went on to suggest that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behaviour is symptomatic of a history of erratic conduct.
“Our client has long regarded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as someone afflicted by what appears to be a serious psychological condition, marked by erratic statements, inflated self-importance, and delusional claims,” the solicitor wrote, noting that during Bello’s tenure as governor, he had chosen not to pursue legal action against her in spite of numerous provocations.However, the letter makes clear that the former governor no longer feels bound by the obligations of his former office. “Our client has moved on from his role as governor and no longer considers it his duty to tolerate such excesses.
He now insists on seeking full legal redress for these false and damaging allegations.”The petition urged the IGP to act swiftly in order to deter others from weaponising political platforms for malicious attacks. “If such reckless conduct is allowed to go unchecked, it may encourage further abuse of public discourse and destabilise democratic institutions,” it read.
The former governor’s legal representatives also issued a formal letter to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, outlining specific demands:A formal retraction of the statements, published in two national newspapers;A written commitment to refrain from further defamatory remarks, whether direct or implied, in print, broadcast, or online media;Compliance within fourteen days of receipt of the letter.The letter concluded with a warning: “Take notice that failure, refusal, or neglect to comply with the above demands within fourteen days from the date of service will compel our client to initiate both civil and criminal proceedings against you without further notice.”As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding the petition or legal demandsThe post Alleged defamation: Yahaya Bello petitions IGP, demands investigation, prosecution of Sen.
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