Sema Fonkem 18/04/2025

The Kogi state police command has launched an investigation into an attack on the family house of  Senator Natasha Akpoti — Uduaghan in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State which left a broken window.

According to police statement issued by Public Relations Officer, SP William, about three unidentified persons carrying cutlasses invaded Senator Uduaghan’s family compound. During the attack, a front window was damaged in an attempt to gain access to the house. An aide to the senator, Yakubu Ovanja who made a distress call to the police in the early hours of the 16th of April 2025 confirmed to have witnessed the incident.

Although the reason for this attack is unknown, many of Senator Uduaghan’s supporters across social media are pointing fingers at Senator Godswill Akpabio to be the mastermind behind the attack. Senator Uduaghan has publicly accused Senator Akpabio of sexual harassment and in a separate law suit marked V/737/25 which was filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on the 25th of February 2025, Senator Uduaghan accuses Nigeria’s senate president Akpabio of defamation and demands a compensation of N1.3bn.  

In the lawsuit, Senator Uduaghan claims that defamatory statements where made by Senator Akpabio and posted on Facebook by his legislative senior aide, Mfon Patrick. Uduaghan’s lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa argued that the post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” also included a statement suggesting that Senator Uduaghan believes being a lawmaker is only about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.” Giwa says these statements have caused harm to the senator’s dignity.

“This calculated assault appears to be a direct response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courageous stance against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment. We urge the Inspector General of Police to reinstate her security details immediately.” Chief Press Secretary to the senator, Israel Arogbonlo said while addressing the press.

“Two days ago, my younger brother took some contractors to my hometown in Ihima to inspect locations for upcoming projects I attracted to my senatorial district. The unknown gunmen assumed I was the one in town and attacked my family house that night. Thankfully, the civil defence team and community members responded promptly and chased them off. A report was made at the police area command, and no one was hurt.” Senator Natasha who is still under six months suspension from the senate said in her statement.

While the Department of Criminal Investigation is carrying a out discreet investigation, the police have assured the public that the culprits will be apprehended and justice will be served.