As the sexual allegation controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan intensifies, journalist and media activist Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike has accused self-acclaimed activist Sandra Duru, also known as “Prof Mgbeke,” of being a serial blackmailer who extorts millions from prominent Nigerians. He also alleged she previously targeted a former Deputy Governor of Imo State.
He also alleged that a voice recording played during the programme featured Chief Oby Ndukwe, President of Citizens Quest, who had earlier defended the Senate President on Channels Television’s Democracy Today. In the clip, the voice, allegedly hers, thanked Sandra and acknowledged receiving financial support, reportedly from the Senate President, for a commendable defence.
Obinna condemned what he described as Duru’s pattern of calculated falsehoods and blackmail, alleging that her latest smear campaign is aimed at discrediting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in a similar fashion.
Appearing on Adeola Fayehun’s YouTube programme on Monday, May 12, 2025, Obinna said he was shocked by Duru’s claims during a livestream in which she alleged that Senator Natasha had confessed there was no sexual harassment and that the allegations against Akpabio were fabricated. She also claimed Natasha boasted of paying former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and the association of women lawyers to defend her. Obinna dismissed the entire account as fictitious.
He revealed that Duru paid him ₦2.5 million to produce a series of documentaries with musical background aimed at damaging Natasha’s public image. However, he said he backed out after watching Duru’s live stream, which he described as packed with lies and malicious propaganda.
Obinna said he initially viewed the job as a routine professional engagement until he listened to the live stream when she stated in her conversation with Natasha, the Senator made anti-Youruba remarks.
According to him, the recording had no such content. “She deliberately twisted the message to stoke ethnic division and provoke the Yorubas against Natasha,” he alleged.
Responding to questions about his intentions, Obinna said his decision to speak out was driven by conscience, not financial gain. He affirmed his willingness to cooperate with security agencies in any investigation.
Obinna also alleged that Duru boasted of having the backing of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and accused her of having a disturbing history of secretly recording conversations to blackmail powerful figures.
