Whether for their outspoken nature, legal troubles, or power struggles, these Kogi senators dominated national politics in their hey days
The political contributions from Kogi state have been anything but dull. From dramatic arrests and heated senate debates to high-profile legal battles, senators from the north-central state have been central figures in Nigeria’s political drama and controversies.
Here’s an in-depth look at the notable senators from Kogi State and the controversies surrounding them.
Dino Melaye: The maverick politician
Dino Melaye, a flamboyant and outspoken politician, represented Kogi west in the senate from 2015 to 2019. Known for his lavish lifestyle, which he regularly flaunted on social media, posing with luxury cars, designer clothes, and expensive champagne. Melaye often made headlines, sometimes for the wrong reasons.
Key controversies involving Dino Melaye
Tiff with Sen. Oluremi Tinubu
During a heated Senate session, Melaye allegedly threatened to assault and “impregnate” a colleague, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who is now the first lady of Nigeria. The confrontation sparked widespread condemnation with Dino showing no remorse.
Physical altercation in the House of Representatives (2010):
Before his senatorial tenure, Melaye gained notoriety in 2010 when he was suspended as a House of Representatives’ member after engaging in a fistfight during an attempt to impeach the speaker.
Dramatic arrest and dramatic ‘escape’:
In 2018, Melaye was accused of supplying arms to political thugs. Two gang members, Kabiru Saidu (a.k.a Osama) and Nuhu Salisu claimed he had funded their activities.
Declared wanted by the police, Melaye was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Morocco.
While being transported in a police vehicle, reports claimed he either jumped or was pushed out, leading to his hospitalisation.
A month later, he resumed plenary in a cervical collar and with a walking stick.
Foreign bank accounts scandal:
Melaye was accused of illegally operating foreign bank accounts while serving as a senator, violating Nigerian law. Transaction details were released, but he never publicly denied the allegations.
Failed recall attempt (2017):
Amid his numerous controversies, his constituents attempted to recall him from the senate. He blamed then governor, Yahaya Bello, accusing him of misusing over one billion naira of state funds to orchestrate his removal.
Smart Adeyemi: Outspoken & sharp-shooting
Sen. Smart Adeyemi, who has had multiple stints in the senate, has also found himself entangled in political conflicts and controversial statements. He represented Kogi west senatorial district.
Key controversies involving Smart Adeyemi
Allegations of corruption in the national assembly (2010):
Adeyemi was reported to have called for a probe into alleged corruption within the National Assembly. Following backlash from his colleagues, he would later clarify that he was misquoted stating, “I never said this National Assembly is corrupt… but if there are a few that are corrupt, the EFCC should go ahead to expose them.” Despite his clarification, the senate still launched an investigation into his statements.
Fiery exchange with Oluremi Tinubu (2021):
During a plenary session, Adeyemi raised concerns about Nigeria’s rising insecurity. His remarks were interrupted by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who questioned his loyalty to the ruling APC. A heated verbal exchange followed, drawing public attention.
Insulting remarks about Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (2021):
In a 2021 senate plenaery session, Adeyemi referred to Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as a “champagne-drinking man,” criticising his leadership. The remarks were met with widespread backlash, with many accusing him of disrespecting a sitting governor.
Defamation allegations and legal battle (2025):
In 2025, Adeyemi was accused of making disparaging remarks about President Bola Tinubu and the APC-led government. He denied the allegations and took legal action against those spreading the claims, reaffirming his loyalty to the party.
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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: The fiery fighter
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and activist-turned-senator, has faced multiple political battles, including direct conflicts with the the current senate leadership.
Key controversies involving Natasha
Seat dispute in the senate:
Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to occupy a new seat assigned to her on grounds that the seats were changed without her consent, claiming the action violated her privileges. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio (2025):
On national television, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
She formally submitted a petition to the senate, leading to an investigation by the ethics committee. The committee, however, dismissed her claims, citing procedural violations.
She also initiated legal action against Akpabio for alleged defamation, demanding ₦100 billion in general damages and ₦300 million for litigation expenses.
The lawsuit stemmed from a Facebook post, allegedly authored by Mr. Patrick, a senior legislative aide to Akpabio,
In her claim, she referenced a statement from the post titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” She argued that the post portrayed her as lacking an understanding of legislative procedures and insinuated that she believed being a lawmaker was solely about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
Suspension from the senate (2025):
Following the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions’s recommendation after investigating the seat controversy, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, barring her from office and withholding her allowances.
EXTRA: Yahaya Bello in the mix
Although not a senator, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello played a significant role in shaping the political careers and controversies of Kogi’s senators.
Key controversies of Yahaya Bello
₦20 billion corruption scandal (2021):
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Governoir Bello’s administration of diverting ₦20 billion in state bailout funds into a fixed deposit account.
A court order was secured to freeze the account, but the Kogi State government denied the allegations.
Clashes with senatorial candidates (2023):
During the 2023 senatorial elections, Bello was accused of suppressing opposition candidates, particularly PDP’s Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Allegations included closing PDP offices and falsely linking Akpoti-Uduaghan to terrorism. He denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated.
