By Prosper Mene
Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a formal petition with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, demanding an urgent investigation into what she describes as a coordinated campaign of defamation, cyberstalking, and blackmail orchestrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and U.S.-based activist Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke. The petition, dated May 15, 2025, alleges serious criminal acts, including conspiracy and attempted assassination, aimed at destroying the senator’s reputation and silencing her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
The controversy stems from a February 2025 television interview where Senator Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming he made inappropriate remarks and linked her legislative bill’s progress to personal favors. The allegations sparked a legal and political firestorm, culminating in Natasha’s suspension from the Senate in March 2025 for alleged misconduct, despite a court order restraining disciplinary actions. Akpabio has denied the accusations and filed a contempt claim against Natasha, with a Federal High Court hearing adjourned to May 13, 2025.
The petition centers on a May 1, 2025, Facebook Live broadcast by Sandra Duru, who allegedly presented manipulated voice recordings and call logs to claim Natasha fabricated the harassment allegations to destabilize the Nigerian government. Duru further accused Natasha of offering her ₦200 million to falsely implicate Akpabio in organ harvesting and the 2021 murder of Iniubong Umoren. Natasha has vehemently denied these claims, describing the broadcast as a “criminal act” intended to incite violence and ruin her reputation. Her legal team, led by Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), argues that Duru’s broadcast violated multiple Nigerian laws, including those on cyberstalking and defamation.
A key point of contention is Duru’s call log, inadvertently displayed during the broadcast, which included contacts labeled “Senator Akpabio,” “IGP Kayode,” and “My Daddy Directline.” Natasha’s petition suggests these contacts indicate a conspiracy involving Akpabio and possibly senior security officials. The petition also highlights Duru’s use of the alias “Professor Mgbeke,” which Natasha claims was a deceptive persona used to manipulate public opinion and launch a “treasonous smear campaign.”
Further complicating the saga, Nigerian journalist Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya recently accused Duru of paying her ₦300,000 to manipulate audio recordings against Natasha. Ogbonnaya claimed she edited out defamatory content, leading Duru to reject the final product. While Ogbonnaya called for a police investigation, she clarified there is no direct evidence linking Akpabio to Duru’s actions.
Natasha’s petition urges the IGP and AGF to investigate Akpabio, Duru, and their associates thoroughly, prosecute those found culpable, and ensure her protection amid escalating threats.
The Senate President’s office has yet to respond to the latest petition, though Akpabio previously dismissed Natasha’s allegations as baseless. Duru, who has petitioned international and Nigerian authorities to probe Natasha’s claims, maintains her accusations are supported by evidence. The Nigeria Police Force and AGF’s office have not publicly commented on the petitions.
As the legal battle intensifies, public reactions remain two sided. Some groups, like the Afenifere Youth Stakeholders Forum, have called on Akpabio to clarify his alleged ties to Duru, while others, including the Arewa Youths Progressive Assembly, have labeled Duru a “serial blackmailer” and demanded her deportation from the UK.
