ABUJA/Nigeria: Media activist and journalist Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike has been arrested by the police in what appears to be a controversial crackdown following his explosive revelations about a high-level smear campaign against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Obinna was reportedly picked up by security operatives at about 3:00 a.m. on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. His arrest is believed to be linked to a recent interview granted to investigative journalist Adeola Fayehun on her YouTube channel.
In the interview, Obinna detailed how he was allegedly paid ₦2.5 million by one Sandra Duru, also known as “Prof Mgbeke”, to produce and disseminate defamatory content aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Senator Natasha. He further claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was the political and financial sponsor behind Duru’s orchestrated media attacks.
“I received money for producing videos but grew concerned after noticing inconsistencies in Duru’s public statements,” Obinna said in the interview, explaining that he initially agreed to a media assignment without full knowledge of its malicious intent. He said his decision to withdraw from the assignment and go public was triggered by certain controversial remarks made by Duru during a livestream.
According to him, the entire campaign was based on “fabricated lies” and “falsehoods” intended to damage Senator Natasha’s public image. He accused Duru of manipulating narratives and pushing a politically motivated agenda without factual backing.
Obinna’s arrest has raised serious concerns within media and human rights circles, with observers suggesting it may be part of a larger attempt to silence dissenting voices and shield powerful figures from scrutiny. The timing of his arrest—shortly after exposing the alleged role of the Senate President in a character assassination plot—has led to speculation of political interference.
Senator Natasha, a vocal critic of Akpabio, has in the past accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, a claim that has yet to be legally resolved. The current development, critics argue, could be an extension of that ongoing battle, with Obinna’s detention seen as retribution for daring to speak out.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the police or the office of the Senate President regarding the arrest. Rights advocates have called for Obinna’s immediate release and a thorough investigation into the allegations he raised in the interview.
