Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, demanding a full investigation into what she describes as a coordinated campaign of defamation, cyberstalking, and attempted harm orchestrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and U.S.-based social media influencer Sandra Duru, also known as “Prof. Mgbeke.”
The petition, dated May 15, 2025, and signed by her legal counsel, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, alleges that the campaign is a retaliatory response to her public accusation of sexual harassment against the Senate President and her subsequent suspension from the Senate.
According to the petition, the smear campaign was executed through a series of online publications and broadcasts led by Duru, who initially gained the senator’s trust under the false identity of “Prof. Mgbeke,” an alleged advocate for women’s rights. The documents submitted to the police reportedly include witness statements, electronic evidence, and expert analysis linking Duru and Akpabio to a broader conspiracy.
“Following our client’s refusal to enter into a financial agreement with ‘Prof. Mgbeke’ to promote her public image, a coordinated defamation campaign was launched,” the petition reads. “What began as unsolicited support quickly turned into a barrage of threatening messages and malicious content across digital platforms.”
The senator’s legal team argues that Duru’s real identity was only discovered after her May 1, 2025, live broadcast, which was described as “a dangerous and defamatory attack” on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. That broadcast, according to the petition, included doctored audio, ethnic incitement, and accusations bordering on treason.
One of the more serious claims made by Duru was that the senator was involved in a covert plan to “remove the Yoruba government.” The petition describes this as “a treasonable falsehood” designed to incite public hostility and trigger a security response against the senator.
In a significant development, the petition also points to Duru’s call logs displayed during her broadcast, which included contacts such as “Senator Akpabio,” “IGP Kayode,” “CP Imo Aboki Danjuma,” and “Oby Ndukwe,” a known media aide to the Senate President. These names, the petition claims, suggest an operational link between the influencer and high-level political and security figures.
The petition also implicates Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Monday Ubani, a known associate of Senator Akpabio and a legislative aide, who publicly praised Duru’s broadcast. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team argues that Ubani’s endorsement reflects insider knowledge and further establishes the conspiracy.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is requesting that the police conduct a forensic analysis of all relevant digital materials, including call logs and broadcast footage, and provide immediate security protection for her and key witnesses. She also seeks the indictment and prosecution of all individuals found culpable.
The petition concludes: “We respectfully urge your service to painstakingly investigate the contents of this petition and ensure that justice is expeditiously dispensed to all who may be found wanting, regardless of their status in Nigerian society.”
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