The Nigerian police have arrested journalist and media activist, Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, in what many believe is a politically motivated move.
Obinna was taken into custody around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State, following a controversial interview he gave to Adeola Fayehun on her YouTube channel.
In the interview, Obinna claimed that Sandra Duru, also known as Prof Mgbeke, paid him to create damaging content aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He said he initially accepted the job as a regular media contract but later backed out after realizing the allegations against the senator were based on falsehoods.
According to him, Duru’s statements during a livestream raised red flags, prompting him to withdraw and speak out.
Obinna described the entire operation as a calculated smear campaign and publicly declared that the accusations against Senator Natasha were fabricated.
His arrest has triggered public concern, with many seeing it as an attempt to silence a whistleblower, especially since Senator Natasha had previously accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
When contacted, the Imo State Police confirmed Obinna’s arrest.
The police spokesperson explained that although Obinna had initially reported a case, he later posted a video online that was considered defamatory against Sandra Duru.
The police said he was invited to explain his claims but failed to show up, leading to his arrest.
They assured that the case would be thoroughly investigated and that justice would prevail.
