Journalist Accuses UK-Based Activist Sandra Duru of Plotting Smear Campaign Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

In a fresh wave of political drama involving high-profile Nigerians, journalist Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya has publicly accused United Kingdom-based Nigerian activist Sandra Duru, also known as Prof Mgbeke, of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at discrediting suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

The controversy erupted after Ogbonnaya released a viral video online, in which she detailed her interactions with Duru, alleging that the activist had offered her money to produce a defamatory voiceover. The journalist claims that the material she was handed by Duru contained malicious allegations aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the senator, and that she refused to participate due to her professional ethics and personal political ambitions.

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According to Ogbonnaya, Sandra Duru approached her with a script and audio recordings that were tailored to discredit Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The alleged recordings included claims that Natasha was attempting to bring down the “Yoruba government” and that she had attempted to bribe Duru with ₦200 million to fabricate stories against a former Akwa Ibom State governor concerning organ harvesting.

Ogbonnaya said, “She wanted me to disrupt and destroy Natasha at the TV station she wanted me to go to on her behalf but not be neutral. I refused because I am a journalist and have plans to run for office like I did before, so I cannot do it.”

She added that it was illogical to believe that someone like Senator Natasha—an Igbira woman from Kogi, a minority ethnic group in Nigeria—would risk political isolation by attempting to challenge the interests of the Yoruba-dominated power structure.

“How can a Kogi; Igbira who are minority with no alliances and even tilted to the Yorubas now say that? What will she gain by fighting the Yoruba government?” Ogbonnaya asked.

She also refuted Duru’s claim that Natasha had denied the existence of sexual harassment during their alleged discussions. According to Ogbonnaya, “In the audios she sent to me, Senator Natasha never mentioned anything about there being no sexual harassment. The woman was even highlighting experiences that suggest sexual harassment.”

Claims of Audio Manipulation and High-Level Blackmail

In her video and follow-up statements, Ogbonnaya warned the public to scrutinize any recordings Sandra Duru might release, stating that any such material would be manipulated.

“If Sandra releases anything like that, she cloned it,” she alleged. “In the original audios she sent to me, there was nothing like that.”

Ogbonnaya further revealed that the recordings instead included Senator Natasha thanking God for the support of former Minister of Finance, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and discussing efforts to address women’s issues. She insisted that Natasha never claimed to have “bought” Ezekwesili.

Beyond Natasha, the journalist made explosive allegations that Sandra Duru has a pattern of blackmailing and manipulating powerful political figures. She named Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former Governor Rochas Okorocha as some of Sandra’s alleged targets.

“She told me she made Rochas a governor,” Ogbonnaya claimed. “She was blackmailing the man. She blackmailed Hope (Imo governor) through the commissioner for international affairs.”

“She Paid for Political Audio”: Journalist Details Transaction

When questioned about whether she was paid for her services, Ogbonnaya acknowledged that Duru had indeed offered her money. According to her, the going rate for political audio content was ₦500,000, but Sandra tried to negotiate down to ₦300,000. Ogbonnaya admitted to editing the material to remove any content that could be legally damaging, which reportedly angered Duru.

“She rejected the audio and refused to use my voice, so she went to someone else,” Ogbonnaya added.

The journalist stressed that her conscience and reputation were at stake. “I removed the places that could implicate us. She got angry that I removed her lies,” she said, reiterating that she wanted no part in the campaign.

She is now calling for a police investigation, urging law enforcement to step in. “Let the police do their job,” she said. “I’m telling [Senate President] Akpabio to be wary of her. I can’t ascertain if she is working with Natasha or Akpabio. Sandra is the one I know.”

Ogbonnaya warned that there are more explosive revelations yet to come. “The evidence I have sent to you now is a tip of the iceberg,” she stated. “If she wants us to release conversations, I am ready—especially the big names she mentioned there. Let her remember that.”

The developments have added a new layer of controversy to the already complex political climate surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has faced multiple allegations since her suspension. While Sandra Duru has gained notoriety over her controversial claims, this latest twist involving alleged bribery, manipulation, and voiceover fabrication could change the narrative altogether.

As Nigerians demand accountability, transparency, and professionalism in politics and media, the call by Ogbonnaya for law enforcement intervention may be the beginning of a deeper investigation into political blackmail, media manipulation, and the exploitation of public narratives for personal gain.