By Prosper Mene
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has publicly disassociated herself from a viral audio recording circulating on social media, labeling it a fabrication aimed at tarnishing her reputation. In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, the senator condemned the audio as “entirely fabricated” and denounced the use of advanced voice cloning technology to misrepresent her views and sow discord.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan categorically denied granting any such interview or engaging in the conversations depicted, asserting, “The voice is not mine, it has clearly been cloned with malicious intent.” She described the incident as an “orchestrated attempt to manipulate public perception and silence legitimate voices in our democracy.”
In her statement, the senator urged Nigerians to disregard the audio and remain vigilant against the rising threat of AI-driven disinformation and cyber impersonation. She emphasized the broader implications of such tactics, warning that they pose a significant risk to public safety and democratic integrity.
This incident comes in a time of growing global concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrimes. Recent reports from the FBI and other cybersecurity agencies have highlighted a surge in voice cloning scams targeting public figures and private individuals alike, often for financial gain or to spread disinformation. The senator’s case shows the urgent need for stronger safeguards against non-consensual voice replication and other forms of digital manipulation.
