Nigerian Intelligence Agency, DSS, Secret Police Investigate Senator Natasha’s Attendance at IPU Meeting

Nigeria's State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have launched an investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York.

According to Premium Times, the probe seeks to determine how the Kogi Central Senator attended the event without official nomination from Nigeria. Authorities aim to uncover whether she obtained unauthorized credentials, if external facilitators assisted her participation, and whether her attendance breached IPU regulations or National Assembly protocols.

Additionally, the investigation will assess whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements at the event misrepresented Nigeria’s official stance and whether any individuals or organizations facilitated her participation without government approval.

This development follows recent controversies surrounding the senator, including allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and a six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate for misconduct. During a plenary session, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised concerns about the legitimacy of her attendance at the IPU meeting, emphasizing that she was not part of Nigeria’s official delegation—constituting a breach of IPU protocols.

The IPU, founded in 1889, is a global organization of parliamentary representatives from 181 sovereign states. It serves as a platform for discussing global issues, including peace, security, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Each national parliament selects its delegation to attend IPU Assemblies.

As the investigation continues, it remains unclear what actions the security agencies will take based on their findings. Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously reported her suspension and allegations against Senate President Akpabio to the IPU, describing the Senate’s action as “illegal” and reflective of the challenges women face in Nigeria.