Nigerian Government Charges Senator Over Assassination Plot Allegation
Senator Accuses Top Politicians of Plotting to Kill Her
The Nigerian government has filed charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to “eliminate” her. Both politicians have strongly denied the allegations.
Escalating Political Controversy
This latest development follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s earlier accusation in April where she claimed the two powerful politicians wanted her dead. Weeks prior, she had also accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment – an allegation he has similarly denied.
The government’s case, filed with the High Court, alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements defamed the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello.
Channels TV Interview Cited in Charges
According to court documents obtained by the BBC, Nigeria’s Attorney General referenced a live interview Akpoti-Uduaghan gave to Channels TV last month. During the broadcast, the senator claimed there were “discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello… to eliminate me.”
The Attorney General contends these statements could cause significant reputational damage to the two politicians. Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to publicly respond to the charges, and no court date has been set.
Gender Equality Questions Raised
The case has captivated Nigeria, sparking debates about gender equality in the socially conservative nation. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four female senators in Nigeria’s 109-member upper legislative chamber.
Her political troubles began in February when she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. Shortly after, the Senate suspended her for six months without pay, citing “unruly and disruptive” behavior during debates about her allegations.
Senator Claims Persecution
Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters maintain she is being targeted for speaking out against the Senate president. In a March interview with the BBC, she described the Senate as operating “like a cult” and expressed fears for her safety after her security detail was withdrawn.
The case continues to unfold as Nigerians watch closely, with many seeing it as a test of political accountability and women’s rights in the country.
Additional reporting by Nkechi Ogbonna in Lagos