Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has taken a bold step by petitioning the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, accusing the Nigeria Police Force of bias in their handling of multiple petitions she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. In a formal letter dated May 19, 2025, and signed by her legal counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep concerns over what she described as a “disturbing pattern of preferential treatment” shown by the police towards Senator Akpabio, while completely disregarding her own complaints.
The senator’s grievances stem from a series of petitions she submitted between March and April 2025, each one raising serious allegations. These include a March 25 petition that reported threats to her personal security, a March 31 petition protesting the abrupt and unlawful withdrawal of her police security detail, and an April 4 petition in which she accused both Akpabio and Yahaya Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. Despite the Nigeria Police acknowledging receipt of the petitions between March 26 and April 5, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan contends that no meaningful steps have been taken to investigate the issues raised. Her legal counsel lamented that no witnesses have been interviewed and no tangible investigative progress has been made, which he believes may be due to the high political positions of the accused individuals.
Adding to the frustration is what the senator sees as a glaring contrast in how swiftly the police responded to a counter-petition filed by Senator Akpabio on April 3. In that petition, Akpabio accused her of making false allegations, committing criminal defamation, and inciting unrest. According to her lawyers, the police acted almost immediately on Akpabio’s complaint, summoning Akpoti-Uduaghan, placing her under caution, and taking her statement. Yet, despite her offering supporting evidence and naming witnesses in response, none of her original petitions or any evidence she provided were included in the case file related to Akpabio’s complaint. Her legal counsel described this as an outright violation of her constitutional rights and an example of discriminatory executive action that undermines the rule of law.
In the letter addressed to the AGF, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team implored the federal government to intervene and ensure the impartial investigation of all petitions. They urged the AGF to direct the Inspector-General of Police to assign independent investigators to handle her case, emphasizing that the integrity of Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions must not be compromised by political influence. They also demanded that the police reinstate her withdrawn security detail for her protection, particularly in light of the threats she has reported, and called for disciplinary measures against any officers who may have acted negligently or under political pressure.
The petition further stressed that Yahaya Bello, now a former governor, no longer enjoys constitutional immunity and should therefore not be shielded from investigation or accountability. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team maintains that her petitions have been treated with contempt and neglect, and that the authorities’ unwillingness to act reflects a dangerous precedent in which political status becomes a shield against scrutiny and justice.
Political observers have noted that this case could intensify tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, especially given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past confrontations with both Akpabio and Bello. Her ongoing clashes with the Senate President over legislative priorities, as well as her accusations against Bello during and after the 2023 Kogi governorship race, have kept her in the national spotlight. By taking the matter directly to the Attorney-General, she is not only seeking justice but also calling attention to what she sees as a systemic failure in how politically sensitive cases are handled.
Her latest move could have far-reaching implications for the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system. If the Attorney-General chooses to act decisively, it could restore faith in the impartiality of the police and affirm the principle that no one is above the law. On the other hand, continued silence or inaction may force the senator to explore other legal avenues, such as filing for judicial review or seeking redress from the National Human Rights Commission. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Attorney-General to see whether he will uphold the constitutional mandate of fairness, equity, and justice—or allow political power to dictate the course of law enforcement.
About the Author
