NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN PETITIONS POLICE, ACCUSES SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO OF DEFAMATION CONSPIRACY
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and a U.S.-based Nigerian influencer, Sandra Duru (alias “Prof. Mgbeke”), of criminal defamation, cyber-stalking, and a politically motivated conspiracy designed to discredit and endanger her. The petition, submitted by her lawyer Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, alleged a coordinated campaign of harassment and character assassination allegedly backed by Akpabio in retaliation for her sexual harassment claims against him.
According to the petition, the saga began when the Senator connected with “Prof. Mgbeke” on Facebook after the influencer appeared to publicly support female politicians. Akpoti-Uduaghan claims she was later pressured by the influencer—later identified as Sandra Duru—to enter into a financial arrangement in exchange for continued support. After she declined, Duru allegedly launched an aggressive smear campaign portraying the Senator as unethical and conspiratorial.
The petition links Duru’s actions to a larger network involving Akpabio’s associates and even security officials. It cites call logs from Duru’s May 1 broadcast that revealed saved contacts such as “Senator Akpabio,” “IGP Kayode,” and other influential political and security figures. The petition alleges this demonstrates a “coordinated political and security enterprise” aimed at silencing the Senator. Also implicated is Akpabio’s legislative aide, Mr. Monday Ubani, who praised the controversial broadcast despite public backlash.
One of the more explosive elements of the petition was Duru’s allegation that Akpoti-Uduaghan was involved in a plot to “remove the Yoruba government”—a claim the petition describes as inciting, ethnically charged, and potentially treasonous. The Senator now seeks a full investigation into those involved, including a forensic audit of the communications, audio recordings, and call logs related to the case. She is also demanding urgent security measures to protect herself and her allies.
