Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging a coordinated campaign of harassment, defamation, and cyberstalking aimed at silencing her following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The petition, submitted through her legal team led by Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), outlines what the senator describes as a “malicious and dangerous attempt” to destroy her reputation, political career, and personal safety.
According to the petition, the campaign began shortly after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a national TV interview on February 28, 2025. The petition alleges that an online persona known as “Professor Mgbeke,” identified as Dr. Sandra Chidinma Duru, a Texas-based Nigerian, initially portrayed herself as a supporter of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but turned hostile after the senator refused financial compensation requests.
The petition claims that in a Facebook livestream on May 1, 2025, Dr. Duru exposed her phone’s call log, which allegedly contained names and contacts linked to high-level individuals, including “Senator Akpabio,” “My Daddy Directline,” “IGP Kayode,” and media figure Oby Ndukwe. The presence of these contacts, according to the petition, suggests a coordinated effort involving Senator Akpabio and Dr. Duru, potentially with knowledge or support from top security officials.
Furthermore, the petition notes that in the same May 1 broadcast, Dr. Duru accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of plotting to “remove the Yoruba government,” a claim described as “treasonous and dangerous ethnic incitement.” The petition asserts that such accusations pose not just reputational harm but also threats to the senator’s life and public safety.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team is urging the Inspector-General of Police to:
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Investigate and prosecute Dr. Sandra Duru for defamation and cybercrimes;
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Probe alleged coordination with Senator Akpabio and other named individuals;
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Ensure protection for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan amid growing threats.
The petition underscores the broader implications for freedom of expression, gender rights, and institutional accountability in Nigeria. It states, “Our client deserves protection, not persecution. No public servant should face this kind of backlash for speaking out about abuse.”
This development follows a series of events that began with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. The Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, citing that she had personally signed it, which violated Senate rules . Subsequently, she was suspended from the Senate for six months for what was described as “unruly and disruptive” behavior.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has since filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Akpabio and a senior legislative aide over defamatory statements made on social media . She has also publicly accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello to assassinate her, an allegation Akpabio has categorically denied, labeling it as a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his reputation.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions on women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria, with many civil society groups and individuals expressing support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and calling for a transparent investigation into her allegations.
As the case unfolds, it continues to highlight the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics and the need for institutional reforms to address issues of harassment and ensure accountability.
