By John Moses
The country residence of Nigerian lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan came under attack on Tuesday night, as unidentified gunmen stormed her family compound in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attackers reportedly vandalised parts of the property, including windows, and attempted to inflict further damage before being repelled by security personnel, local vigilantes, and youths from the community.
According to police, one suspect was apprehended while the rest fled the scene. The arrested individual, Suberu Jose, a local resident, is alleged to be a ritualist with possible links to political adversaries of the senator. He reportedly confessed to participating in three prior assaults on the lawmaker’s home.
Witnesses say an enraged mob attempted to lynch the suspect before police intervened. A cutlass and ritual charms were found in his possession. Security agencies are currently pursuing the remaining suspects.
This latest incident comes in the wake of a previous attack on the senator’s home on 15 April 2025, which saw no arrests at the time. Tuesday’s arrest is being seen as a major development in the ongoing investigation into the recurring threats against the senator and her family.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal figure in Nigerian politics, has been at the centre of controversy following her public accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The allegations led to her suspension from the Senate for six months, and the Federal Government has since brought criminal charges against her.
A statement from the senator’s media team urged the public to remain calm and not be deterred by “acts of intimidation.” It emphasised that her dedication to public service and advocacy should not be met with violence.
Confirming the incident, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, said the suspect in custody is providing valuable information. He assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the other assailants and bring them to justice.
