Guest Writer
“The same mouth that speaks of another may one day speak of you.” That proverb sets the tone for Nigeria’s latest political storm, where allegations, counter-allegations, and unverified recordings have once again thrown the Senate into controversy.
Sandra Chidinma Duru, popularly known as “Prof Mgbeke,” has released a nine-minute audio clip she claims features Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The recording, presented as a preview of further disclosures, allegedly captures Akpabio discussing political developments and engaging Duru to mount a campaign against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The release has reignited one of the most bruising disputes of Nigeria’s Ninth Senate, reopening wounds from the 2025 sexual harassment controversy and raising fresh doubts about Duru’s credibility. Yet, as with so many episodes in Nigeria’s political theatre, the recording’s authenticity remains unverified.
Neither Akpabio nor his office has confirmed or denied the audio, leaving Nigerians to sift through claims, counterclaims, and speculation.The saga began in February 2025, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her refusal to vacate her seat after suspension led to a six-month ban from the Senate.
Natasha maintained she was a victim of harassment, while Akpabio denied the allegations. It was in this tense atmosphere that Duru emerged. Styling herself as “Professor Mgbeke,” she began publishing commentary sympathetic to Natasha, portraying her as a victim of persecution in politics.
But by May 2025, Duru’s narrative shifted dramatically. In a Facebook livestream, she accused Natasha of fabricating harassment claims and alleged that the senator offered her millions of naira and large sums in dollars to run a smear campaign against Akpabio.
She even claimed Natasha offered ₦200 million to accuse Akpabio of organ harvesting. Natasha denied all allegations, insisting she was the target of a coordinated campaign.The feud quickly moved into formal channels. Natasha petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging defamation and cyberstalking.
Duru also filed her own petition, leading to a police report in February 2026 that indicted Natasha over false claims linking Akpabio to murder and organ harvesting.
Criminal defamation charges were filed against Natasha but later withdrawn after Akpabio opted not to pursue prosecution. The police report, however, remains a document of record, even if not a court judgment. Duru’s public profile has long been surrounded by controversy. Online commentator Da Zion alleged she collected $800,000 for her campaign against Natasha, though no proof has been produced.
Reports also cite visa-related disputes through her NGO, questions over her academic titles, and other contested episodes. None of these claims has resulted in a verified conviction, but they continue to shadow her public image. Among the most discussed episodes are those involving visa programmes.
Several individuals allege that Duru used her NGO, the Pre-Adult Affairs Organization (PAAO), to promote supposed training opportunities abroad. Victims say they paid between ₦1.2 million and ₦2.5 million for US visas and training opportunities that never materialised.
Nicholas-Ubechu Chukwubuike Nelson recounted how he was deceived into paying for a programme that did not exist, while Danladi Hassan alleged he lost ₦2.5 million under similar pretences.
These stories illustrate how disputed claims about her activities have lingered in public discourse.There are also reports of a ₦10 million case said to have been filed in a Lagos magistrates’ court around 2015 or 2016. Duru was accused of defrauding an acquaintance under the pretence of a business investment.
Reports claim she sent text messages when asked for a refund, and that a bench warrant was issued for her arrest on 31 July 2017 after she failed to appear in court. Critics describe her as having left the country to avoid trial, though no official court record has been made public to confirm these claims.
Her name has also been linked to allegations involving Prince Eze Madumere, the former Deputy Governor of Imo State. Commentary alleges that Duru attempted to pressure a journalist into publishing content against Madumere. When the journalist refused, she allegedly spread false allegations against the deputy governor herself.
This episode, like many others, remains unproven but contributes to the perception of Duru as a figure who thrives on controversy and manipulation.The latest audio matters because it reverses Duru’s earlier narrative. In 2025, she claimed Natasha tried to recruit her against Akpabio.
Now she claims Akpabio recruited her against Natasha. This contradiction raises pressing questions: which of her accounts is true, if either; why is the recording surfacing more than a year later; can the voices be authenticated, or is the audio manipulated; is there any truth to the $800,000 claim.
Beyond the individuals involved, the affair carries a broader warning. Those who converse with individuals known to record calls should assume their words may one day be made public, stripped of context or selectively edited. And those who pay for “opportunities” or “training programmes” must verify organisations thoroughly before parting with money.
As the proverb reminds us, today’s accuser may be tomorrow’s accused. Until independent forensic examination or court proceedings establish the facts, Nigerians are left with unverified recordings, disputed money claims, and a swirl of allegations that raise more questions than answers.
The controversy surrounding Sandra Duru, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio is not just about one recording. It is about credibility, manipulation, and the dangers of unchecked narratives in Nigeria’s political space.
Until forensic experts, courts, or credible institutions weigh in, the public must treat viral audios and leaked chats as leads, not proof.
*For comments, reflections and further conversation, email samuelagogo4one@yahoo.com or call +2348055847364.*
