Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking an immediate investigation into Senate President Godswill Akpabio and US-based Nigerian influencer Dr. Sandra Duru, also known as “Prof. Mgbeke.” She accuses them of defamation, cyberstalking, and attempted assassination.
In the petition dated May 15, 2025, and signed by her lawyer, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that Akpabio led a coordinated campaign to smear her reputation and endanger her life, allegedly in retaliation for her prior sexual harassment claims against him.
According to the petition, Duru initially approached the senator under the alias “Prof. Mgbeke,” gaining her trust with supportive Facebook posts. Posing as a gender rights advocate, Duru allegedly requested payment in exchange for favorable PR. When the senator declined, Duru reportedly began an online smear campaign filled with defamatory content.
It was only after a May 1, 2025 broadcast and further investigations that “Prof. Mgbeke” was revealed to be Dr. Sandra Duru. The senator claims this impersonation was central to a larger plot to discredit her.
The petition calls for a thorough probe into everyone involved in orchestrating, funding, and executing the alleged campaign. It also requests a forensic analysis of all electronic evidence, including altered audio files, call logs, and digital messages.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further asked for protection for herself and key witnesses, citing the involvement of high-profile individuals. Her legal team pointed to Duru’s call logs, which reportedly include names like Senator Akpabio, IGP Kayode, Akpabio’s media aide Oby Ndukwe, and Senator Ned Nwoko suggesting a broader conspiracy.
The petition also references remarks by Akpabio’s associate and legal adviser, Monday Ubani, SAN, who publicly supported “Prof. Mgbeke” during the smear campaign further evidence, according to Akpoti-Uduaghan, of insider involvement.
Among the most serious claims is Duru’s online accusation that the senator was plotting to “remove the Yoruba government” a charge her legal team says amounts to criminal defamation and possibly treasonable felony.
Describing the campaign as a “criminal enterprise,” the senator urged authorities to take immediate action, investigate all parties involved regardless of status, and ensure justice is served.
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