Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP–Kogi Central) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to dismiss a petition filed against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging criminal defamation and public incitement.

The senator, who was recently suspended by the Senate for alleged misconduct, insists the petition is an attempt to divert attention from what she described as more serious allegations—an alleged plot to assassinate her.

Akpabio, in his petition to the police, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of spreading “heinous lies” about him, claiming she falsely alleged he was planning her assassination.

According to the Senate President, the accusations were aimed at tarnishing his image and stirring unrest.

But in a statement issued on Saturday through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Akpabio’s petition as “a bubble” designed to distract the police and “preempt investigations into his alleged role in the threats” to her life.

“Our client maintains that the Senate President should submit himself for a full investigation by security agencies before his petition can be entertained,” the statement read.

Giwa further stated: “The Senate President is a ‘principal suspect’ in the case of a threat to the life of Senator Natasha, whose securities were withdrawn illegally at his instruction.”

He added, “It is only when the investigation has been concluded, and the allegation has been shown to be false, that the issue of incitement and false allegation against Senator Natasha can be entertained.”

Calling on the IGP to dismiss the Senate President’s petition, Giwa said it was “diversionary and prejudicial to an ongoing investigation.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp insists that the withdrawal of her security detail and the subsequent threat to her life merit immediate and independent investigation.