Nigeria’s secret police probes Sen. Natasha over unapproved attendance at IPU meeting

Nigeria’s intelligence agencies have launched an investigation into how Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central attended the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without an official nomination from Nigeria.

According to high-ranking administration and security officials who spoke to Premium Times, the probe aims to determine how she gained access to the event, who facilitated her accreditation, and whether her participation was intended to embarrass Nigeria.

The investigation is being conducted by the State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). It was reportedly triggered by complaints from the Nigerian Senate, which raised concerns about whether Akpoti-Uduaghan used unauthorized credentials, breached IPU protocols, or misrepresented Nigeria’s official stance.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele expressed concerns about her presence at the event, stating that “international parliamentary organizations like the IPU follow strict guidelines, allowing only officially designated representatives to participate.” He emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not part of Nigeria’s delegation, making her attendance a violation of protocol.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s IPU Complaint

During the meeting, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan lodged a complaint with the IPU regarding her six-month suspension from the Senate and her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking at the event, she described her suspension as “illegal” and reflective of the struggles faced by women in Nigeria’s political system.

“I am not here to bring shame to my country; I am here to bring help to the women of our country,” she said.

She further explained, “On March 6, I was suspended as a Senator—illegally—because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Instead of investigating the allegations, I was silenced and suspended for six months under stringent conditions. My security detail was withdrawn, my salary was cut off, and I was barred from appearing near the National Assembly or introducing myself as a senator.”

She argued that her suspension highlights the underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics, stating, “Out of 109 senators, only four of us are women. My case is not just about me; it is about women’s rights in governance.”

In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson assured that necessary steps would be taken regarding her suspension but emphasized that the Nigerian Senate leadership would also be given the opportunity to present its position.

Senate’s Response and Investigation

In reaction to her claims, the Nigerian Senate, through a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. The letter, read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Nigeria’s official representative at the IPU, stated:

“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not because of allegations of sexual harassment. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the misinformation being spread about her suspension.”

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions is set to hear testimonies from both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio regarding the sexual harassment allegations. Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi confirmed that Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan, and other senators who were present at the time of the alleged incident would testify before the committee.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023.

She alleged that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and behaved inappropriately, even in the presence of her husband.