The controversy involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken a dramatic turn with the emergence of a leaked audio recording in which a U.S based activist alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to fabricate damaging claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio in exchange for a ₦200 million bribe.
This latest development has added a new layer to a saga that began with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio — allegations that have now been called into question by the shocking content of the leaked audio.
In February 2025, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in December 2023, he made inappropriate advances and comments.
The matter quickly escalated, and on March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing unruly behavior and a breach of Senate decorum. Many viewed the suspension as a retaliation against the senator for daring to challenge one of Nigeria’s most powerful political figures.
Now, the emergence of a leaked audio recording threatens to further complicate an already contentious case.
The leaked audio features a conversation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Dr. Sandra Duru, also known as Prof. Mgbeke, a U.S.-based activist and media personality. In the recording, Duru alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan offered her ₦200 million to fabricate allegations against Akpabio, including claims of organ harvesting and involvement in the death of a young girl.
Duru further claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan admitted to having no evidence to substantiate her initial sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio and was looking for alternative ways to tarnish his reputation.
The activist also alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan planned to recruit prominent Nigerians and human rights organizations to lend credibility to the fabricated claims.
Dr. Duru has reportedly provided call logs and WhatsApp chats allegedly linked to Akpoti-Uduaghan, contradicting the senator’s assertion that she has no relationship with Duru.
In the conversations, Akpoti-Uduaghan is allegedly heard discussing how to position Akpabio as a villain and portray herself as a victim to garner public sympathy and international support.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the audio recording was doctored and manipulated to discredit her. She further stated that she does not know Dr. Duru and has no connection with the activist.
However, Duru has maintained her stance, insisting that she has more evidence to back her claims and is willing to present them to the authorities if necessary.
The controversy has sparked intense debate, with some accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to weaponize false allegations for political gain, while others question Duru’s motives and credibility.
The leaked audio has divided public opinion
Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan argue that the recording is a ploy by her political opponents to discredit her allegations against Akpabio and undermine her credibility.
Critics, however, believe that the recording exposes Akpoti-Uduaghan as a political opportunist willing to go to extreme lengths to destroy Akpabio’s reputation.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of civil society organizations and women’s rights groups, who are now demanding a full investigation into the allegations and counter-allegations.
If the allegations in the leaked audio are proven true, Akpoti-Uduaghan could face serious legal consequences, including charges of bribery, defamation, and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Additionally, the scandal raises critical questions about the use of media leaks as political weapons and the extent to which powerful figures in Nigeria are willing to manipulate public opinion and sway political outcomes.
The case also underscores the need for independent investigations to determine the authenticity of the audio recording and the veracity of both Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations and Duru’s counterclaims.
The unfolding scandal involving Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio has become a complex and deeply polarizing political drama, one that has raised serious concerns about the use of false allegations, media manipulation, and political vendettas in Nigeria.
As calls for transparency and accountability grow louder, all eyes are now on the Nigerian Senate and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation that will reveal the truth behind the leaked audio and potentially reshape the narratives surrounding this high-stakes political showdown.
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