Natasha takes another action against Akpabio, Duru over alleged defamation, threat to life, others

Determined to ensure justice and safety, the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a fresh petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and one Dr. Sandra Duru to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and another one to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

Natasha in the petitions alleged criminal conspiracy, defamation,  cyber-related offences and threats to life.

The petitions signed by her legal counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa –  a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), outlines what the senator describes as a “retaliatory campaign” designed to discredit her following public accusations of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio.

According to the petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dated 15th May, 2025, shortly after her six-month suspension from the Senate in March, Akpoti-Uduaghan began receiving threats and became the target of a coordinated online smear campaign.

Central to the allegations is Dr. Sandra Duru, who initially gained the senator’s trust by presenting herself as “Professor Mgbeke,” a supposed advocate for women in politics.

The senator claims that Duru solicited payment to help manage her public image and, upon being declined, launched a digital assault involving aggressive messages and a defamatory video broadcast. Investigations later revealed that “Professor Mgbeke” was, in fact, Sandra Duru.

The petition also points to alleged evidence linking Duru directly to Senator Akpabio’s political network. A May 1 Facebook live broadcast by Duru reportedly displayed call logs containing names linked to the Senate President.

“The allegations against me are false and part of a conspiracy to undermine my work and reputation,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.

“I fear for my safety and that of my family due to the harassment and intimidation.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team said, “We believe the evidence will show a deliberate campaign to malign and endanger our client through false accusations.”

The suspended Senator urged the due of IGP and AGF to wade into the alleged attempt on her life by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that facts available to her demonstrate a deliberate retaliatory campaign by Senator Akpabio, using proxies and resources at his disposal, to harm her.

She called on the Minister and the IGP to examine the statements and actions of third-party collaborators who publicly endorsed the defamatory broadcast against her to determine their knowledge of and participation in the conspiracy.

“We maintain that the actions against our client amount to a criminal enterprise violating multiple laws. 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 the Nigerian society,” she submitted through her counsel, Idahosa.

The Kogi senator also called on the IGP to ensure all the needed security is provided to ensure her safety is not compromised.