Akpabio had not to comment on Duru’s latest allegation, while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Facebook post adds another development to the unfolding controversy.
By Mmesoma Onwuka
365Daily – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Senate, has taken a fresh swipe at Senate President Godswill Akpabio and some media organisations following the renewed controversy surrounding purported leaked audio recordings involving her, Akpabio and activist, Sandra Duru.
In a Facebook post on Monday, September 21, Akpoti Uduaghan directly addressed Akpabio, whom she identified as the President of the Nigerian Senate, before turning her attention to Punch Newspapers, Guardian Nigeria and other media organisations.
“Dear Godswill Akpabio, Senate President of the Nigerian 10th Assembly… continue,” she wrote.
Addressing the media organisations, the senator said: “Dear Punch Newspapers, Guardian Nigeria, and others… you may take the envelope and publish whatever Akpabio’s office sends to you.”
Akpoti Uduaghan also issued a warning to Akpabio, writing, “S.P. Akpabio, know that the pits you dig for me, you shall very well fall into.”
Her latest statement comes amid renewed attention to purported audio recordings released on social media by Sandra Duru, also known as Prof. Mgbeke.
Duru released a recording in which she alleged that Akpabio had engaged her to campaign against Akpoti Uduaghan. PUNCH reported that the recording was released on social media on Friday and went viral over the weekend.
However, the newspaper noted that the authenticity of the recording, the identities of the voices and the full context of the conversation could not be independently verified.
Another purported recording by Akpabio has also circulated, with reports saying it contained discussions about political developments involving former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other political figures.
The authenticity and complete context of that recording have likewise not been independently established.
A separate recording attributed to Akpoti Uduaghan has also surfaced online. According to a report published by Legit.ng on Monday, a voice identified by social media commentator, Verydarkman, as that of the senator was heard discussing a media story concerning Akpabio, with reference to a deadline of September 27.
The report described the recording as an alleged clip, while reactions online have included claims that it may have been AI-generated.
The latest development has revived memories of the long running dispute between Akpoti Uduaghan and Akpabio, which became particularly prominent in 2025 after the Kogi senator accused the Senate President of sexual harassment. Akpabio denied the allegation.
Duru subsequently became involved in the controversy, alleging in May 2025 that Akpoti Uduaghan had offered her N200 million to make allegations against Akpabio. Akpoti Uduaghan denied the allegation. Channels Television reported the claim at the time, while noting that it was an allegation made by Duru.
The dispute later generated further allegations, counter allegations and legal actions, with an FCT High Court interim order restraining Duru and Meta from further circulating materials alleged to be defamatory against Akpoti Uduaghan, pending determination of the substantive suit.
The latest audio controversy has therefore reopened a dispute that has involved the two politicians and Duru for more than a year.
However, there has been no independent verification establishing that the voices are authentic, that the recordings are complete and unedited, or that the statements attributed to the individuals were made in the context being presented online.
As at press time, Akpabio had not to comment on Duru’s latest allegation, while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Facebook post adds another development to the unfolding controversy.