Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, over alleged defamation, cyberstalking, and an assassination attempt purportedly orchestrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and a certain Dr. Sandra Duru.
In the petition dated May 15, 2025, and filed by her lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged a campaign of criminal defamation, cyber-related offences, and criminal conspiracy, adding that the attacks against her were deliberate and retaliatory.
The senator claimed to possess evidence—including public broadcasts, witness testimonies, media reports, and expert analyses—demonstrating what she described as a coordinated smear campaign by Akpabio using his influence and proxies.
She further accused Dr. Sandra Duru, who allegedly posed online as “Prof. Mgbeke,” of initially acting as a supporter but later turning against her when financial demands for digital promotion went unmet.
“We believe the evidence will show a deliberate campaign to malign and endanger our client through false accusations,” her legal team stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that the campaign stemmed from her public accusation of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which she believes triggered the retaliation.
In a separate development, Dr. Duru, during a live broadcast on May 1, released purported voice recordings and call logs allegedly involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. In them, she claimed the senator admitted Akpabio never harassed her and fabricated the allegations to damage the government’s image.
Duru also alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan referred to former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili and others who supported her Senate testimony as “useful idiots,” implying they were deceived or financially motivated.
Duru claimed she advised the senator against spreading the alleged false narrative but was rebuffed. She said she has submitted all related communications to relevant security agencies for forensic investigation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged federal authorities to investigate third parties who promoted the broadcast, evaluate their roles in the alleged conspiracy, and take necessary legal action.
