An investigation into an alleged infiltration of the National Assembly by Russia’s KGB group has hit a roadblock following the absence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
KGB was the main security agency of the Soviet Union from 1954 to 1991, responsible for gathering intelligence both domestically and internationally.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had filed a petition on March 5, 2025, urging authorities to investigate claims made by her colleague, Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West, about the alleged presence of KGB agents in Nigeria’s legislative arm.
The controversy began when Karimi shared a report on the 10th Senate’s official WhatsApp group on February 23, 2025. The report, titled “KGB Agent Group Warns Senate: A Call for Vigilance Amidst Threats to Democracy,” warned of possible foreign interference in Nigeria’s democracy.
In her petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for urgent action, stating, “No nation can afford to ignore the presence of such a group within its legislative body.”
Following her complaint, the police summoned Senator Karimi for questioning at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He admitted to sharing the report and provided additional details.
Karimi, who chairs the Senate Services Committee, later insisted that the investigation should focus on Akpoti-Uduaghan, as she was the one pushing for a probe.
He further questioned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s interest in the issue, stating, “She was the first to react to the post. She challenged me to call out the KGB agents. Out of the 109 senators, she was the only one who raised the issue. I simply ignored her. The questions to ask are: why is she so interested in the matter? Why is she pursuing it? What is she trying to hide? Out of the 109 of us, why is she suddenly agitated? But when we meet at the police station, we will know who really has a case to answer.”
However, the investigation has stalled as Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to appear before the police for further questioning.
Sources within the police revealed that efforts to reach her had been unsuccessful.
“We expected her to follow through on such a serious allegation, but she has remained unresponsive,” a senior police officer was quoted as saying.
“She initially stated that she was out of the country, but a recent video showed her visiting her constituency, which has raised questions.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan denied avoiding the investigation, clarifying that she was only invited once to adopt her petition.
“Apart from being invited to adopt my petition, I haven’t been invited,” she said.
A police source stated that the force is handling the case with caution.
“We do not want to be drawn into political disputes within the Senate. Our superiors will determine how to proceed with the case,” the source said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently serving a six-month suspension for gross misconduct and violation of Senate Standing Orders.
She has also accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.