A United States-based activist, Dr. Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke, has accused suspended Nigerian senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, of offering her N200 million to falsely accuse Senate President Godswill Akpabio of organ harvesting.
Speaking during a Facebook Live broadcast on Thursday night, Duru alleged that Senator Natasha made the offer after her earlier sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio failed to gain traction. The activist said she has submitted phone call logs and voice recordings to US authorities and other international agencies for forensic investigation.
“One, there is no sexual harassment of any kind. Two, there is no evidence of organ harvesting,” Duru said, insisting that Natasha admitted to lacking proof for both claims. She also called on the Nigeria Police Force and international bodies to investigate Natasha’s role in the ongoing controversy, especially regarding what she allegedly knew about the 2021 death of a young woman, Iniobong Umoren.
Duru displayed WhatsApp messages and call logs during her one hour, eight-minute livestream, asserting that they clearly show communication between her and the senator, contrary to Natasha’s claim of no prior contact.
The activist claimed Natasha expressed a political agenda, saying the ultimate goal was to unseat Akpabio and weaken what she allegedly referred to as a “Yoruba government.” Duru further alleged that Natasha was promised either the governorship of Kogi State or the petroleum ministry in exchange for successfully implicating Akpabio.
“She told me she wanted to force the Senate President to resign. She said it’s not about him, it’s about preventing Yoruba leadership from extending beyond four years,” Duru stated.
Duru also claimed Natasha referred to Nigerians as “G and H – Gullible and Hungry,” and accused her of attempting to manipulate public sentiment for personal and political gain. She further alleged that Natasha had called prominent activist Dr. Oby Ezekwesili a “useful idiot.”
Responding to the allegations, Israel Arogbonlo, Chief Press Secretary to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, said the Senator would only present her evidence in court and would not be engaging with the media on the matter.
Senator Natasha was recently suspended by the Senate following her unproven allegations against the Senate President. The scandal has sparked national debate, with public figures and advocacy groups demanding transparency and accountability from all parties involved.
The case continues to draw attention amid rising concerns about the use of unverified allegations for political warfare in Nigeria’s legislative space.
