The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have launched a joint investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unauthorised attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. The probe aims to uncover how she secured accreditation, who facilitated her trip, and whether her participation was orchestrated to embarrass the Nigerian government.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, attended the IPU meeting despite not being officially nominated by the government. This move has raised questions about how she obtained accreditation and whether she breached IPU regulations or national assembly protocol.

The investigation was triggered by complaints from the senate, which suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for “gross misconduct”. Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that her suspension was designed to silence her over allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her allegation came after she was accused of gross misconduct.

At the IPU meeting on March 11, Akpoti-Uduaghan addressed her suspension, prompting the IPU to promise steps to address her concerns and listen to both sides. However, the senate responded through Kafilat Ogbara, who stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was not related to her allegations against the senate president.

The investigation is ongoing, with the DSS and NIA working to determine the circumstances surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU meeting.