Whistleblower Obinna’s Arrest Amid Allegations Involving Sandra Duru, Senator Natasha, and Senate President Akpabio

 

Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, a well-known journalist and media activist, was taken into custody by Nigerian police in Owerri, Imo State, in the early hours of Thursday morning. His arrest has raised eyebrows among observers who suspect political motivations behind the move, especially given the sensitive nature of his recent revelations involving prominent political figures.

Obinna’s detention reportedly stems from a controversial interview he gave to Adeola Fayehun on her YouTube channel, where he disclosed his involvement in producing defamatory videos against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to Obinna, Sandra Duru—also known publicly as Prof Mgbeke—had paid him a substantial sum to create content aimed at discrediting the senator. While initially agreeing to the assignment under what he described as a typical media production contract, Obinna soon grew uneasy about the veracity of the claims underpinning the videos.

He noted, “I received money for producing videos but grew concerned after noticing inconsistencies in Duru’s public statements.” His doubts deepened after witnessing contradictory and controversial statements made by Duru during a livestream event. This prompted Obinna to publicly withdraw from the project and expose what he labeled a false smear campaign against Senator Natasha.

“All the claims made against Senator Natasha were false and part of a broader smear campaign,” Obinna asserted, framing his decision as an act of whistleblowing against a deliberate attempt to malign the senator’s reputation.

The context of Obinna’s allegations adds a layer of complexity. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan herself has been a vocal critic of influential political figures, notably accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. This background has led many to speculate that Obinna’s arrest may be an attempt to silence a key source threatening powerful interests.

Imo State Police, however, maintain that the arrest is a standard law enforcement action tied to defamation claims. DSP Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, confirmed that Obinna was initially a complainant in a related case but later became a suspect following a video he posted online. According to DSP Okoye, “He posted another video on social media which resulted in a defamation of character against one Sandra Duru.”

The police claim they issued an official invitation for Obinna to clarify his statements, but he allegedly failed to comply, prompting his arrest. DSP Okoye reassured the public, stating, “There is no cause for alarm. We are going to carry out a diligent investigation, and at the end of the day, justice will be served.”

Despite official reassurances, the timing and circumstances of the arrest have raised alarms among media activists, opposition voices, and human rights advocates. Many fear that Obinna’s detention is less about law enforcement and more about political intimidation aimed at suppressing dissent and whistleblowing.

The episode highlights the risks faced by journalists and activists operating in politically charged environments where exposing uncomfortable truths can lead to personal peril. As Obinna remains in custody, his arrest is being watched closely, with calls for transparency and protection of press freedom growing louder.

The unfolding situation underscores the fragile state of political discourse in parts of Nigeria, where allegations of corruption, harassment, and smear campaigns intertwine with efforts to silence those who dare to speak out. Whether justice will prevail in this case remains to be seen, but the arrest has already ignited debate about the state of media freedom and the potential use of law enforcement as a tool for political suppression.