A former ally of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Dr. Sandra Duru, has publicly released a copy of her formal petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that the senator confessed on tape to a series of serious offenses.
Dr. Duru, also known as Prof Mgbeke, had previously collaborated with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in her campaign against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment. Their relationship soured when Dr. Duru requested evidence supporting these claims. Dr. Duru alleges that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan admitted her accusations were retaliation for being removed from her chairmanship post on a Senate committee. Dr. Duru claims she possesses chat logs and audio recordings to substantiate her claims, further stating she tried to persuade Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to reconcile with Akpabio, but the Senator refused.
The petition to the ICC contains a disturbing allegation: Dr. Duru claims Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan admitted on tape to having knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death of Iniobong Umoren, and that her organs were used for the wife of the senate president. Iniobong Umoren was murdered in April 2021 Killing of Iniubong Umoren – Wikipedia. Uduak Akpan was sentenced to death by hanging for the crime Iniubong Umoren: Uduak Akpan sentenced to death by hanging for murder of job seeker – Timeline of how di case waka – BBC News Pidgin.
Dr. Duru argues these alleged actions constitute crimes against humanity, urging the ICC to investigate. She states that if the claims are proven false, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should be prosecuted for criminal defamation.
The petition outlines the following potential charges:
- Accessory to murder after the fact (withholding evidence)
- Conspiracy in a transnational crime of organ trafficking
- Obstruction of justice and abuse of public office
- Criminal defamation and false allegations
Dr. Duru cites Articles 25 and 28 of the Rome Statute, asserting that individuals, including public officials, can be held criminally responsible for withholding information about crimes against humanity or participating in a cover-up. She also claims the senator’s alleged false sexual harassment claims trivialize the global fight for women’s emancipation.
As of this report, the ICC has not officially responded to the petition, which was dated April 3.
FIDA Nigeria Responds
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, has responded to allegations made by Sandra Duru in a Facebook Live broadcast. FIDA stated that they were drawn into the allegations against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and that they have been working to ensure all sides are heard through an impartial and transparent process. FIDA NIGERIA’S RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS MADE BY SANDRA DURU IN A LIVE FACEBOOK BROADCAST
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