In a dramatic turn in the ongoing controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Nigerian journalist Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya has accused UK-based Nigerian businesswoman Sandra Duru—popularly known as Prof Mgbeke—of attempting to recruit her to smear the Kogi Central Senator.
In a now-viral video, Ogbonnaya claimed that Duru approached her with a script and audio materials allegedly designed to tarnish Senator Natasha’s image, requesting she produce a defamatory voiceover for broadcast.
“She wanted me to disrupt and destroy Natasha on live TV and pretend to be neutral,” Ogbonnaya said, adding that she declined the offer due to her professional ethics and political ambitions. “I’m a journalist and plan to run for office. I couldn’t do it.”
Ogbonnaya further revealed that Sandra offered her ₦300,000 for the recording, a discounted rate from her usual ₦500,000 charge for political voiceovers. However, Duru allegedly rejected her version after she edited out false claims.
“She got angry that I removed the lies from the script. She refused to use my voice and went to someone else,” Ogbonnaya stated.
The journalist also refuted recent claims made by Duru, including allegations that Senator Natasha attempted to bribe her with ₦200 million to frame Akpabio for organ harvesting. Natasha has denied the accusation.
Ogbonnaya challenged Duru’s narrative, stating the audio recordings Sandra sent her included no such confession or denial regarding sexual harassment. Rather, she said the content alluded to inappropriate remarks that amounted to harassment.
“She never denied sexual harassment in those recordings. She even talked about experiences that suggest it,” Ogbonnaya clarified.
The journalist also dismissed claims that Natasha had insulted or attempted to “buy” former minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, saying the audio instead showed gratitude toward Ezekwesili for her support.
Beyond the Natasha controversy, Ogbonnaya alleged that Duru had a pattern of political manipulation, claiming involvement in blackmailing prominent figures like Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former governor Rochas Okorocha.
“Sandra even told me she made Rochas governor. She was blackmailing him,” Ogbonnaya alleged, urging law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Ogbonnaya warned Senate President Akpabio to be cautious in his dealings with Duru.
“I don’t know if she’s working for Natasha or Akpabio, but Sandra is the common link here. The police need to do their job,” she added.
She concluded by hinting at further revelations. “What I’ve released so far is just the tip of the iceberg. If Sandra wants to go further, I’m ready to release more.”
