Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Files Fresh Petition Against Akpabio, Sandra Duru

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed new petitions against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Dr. Sandra Duru, alleging criminal conspiracy, defamation, and cyber-related offenses.

The petitions, dated May 15, 2025, were submitted to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused both individuals of coordinating what she describes as a malicious campaign to damage her reputation and threaten her safety.

According to the petition, the campaign allegedly involved defamation, cyberstalking, and an attempted assassination.

The Senator claims the effort was designed to retaliate against her following public accusations she made against Akpabio earlier this year, in which she alleged sexual harassment.

“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 I’ve been subjected to.”

A central figure in the petition is Dr. Sandra Duru, who reportedly presented herself under the alias “Prof. Mgbeke” and initially offered digital support for Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, after the Senator allegedly declined to meet demands for payment in exchange for narrative control, Duru is said to have launched a targeted online character assassination campaign.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ehiogie West-Idahosa, asserted that the petition is supported by “incontrovertible evidence,” including broadcast footage, media reports, witness testimonies, and expert digital analyses.

“We believe the evidence will show a deliberate campaign to malign and endanger our client through false accusations,” said Idahosa.

The Senator further requested that the IGP and AGF investigate the roles of third-party actors who allegedly endorsed or amplified the defamatory materials against her.

“We respectfully urge your service to painstakingly investigate the contents of this petition and ensure justice is expeditiously dispensed to all who may be found culpable, regardless of their status in Nigerian society,” the petition read.

This latest development comes amid rising tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and senior political figures, including Senator Akpabio, whom she previously accused of orchestrating political attacks and leveraging his position to silence opposition.

The Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General have yet to issue official statements in response to the allegations.