Nigerian Journalist Jailed for Refusing to Produce Anti-Natasha Jingle Linked to Fugitive Sandra Duru

A Nigerian journalist, Maazi Obinna Akuwudike, has been jailed after reportedly refusing a court directive to produce a defamatory audio jingle aimed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The controversial jingle, he claims, was commissioned by fugitive media personality Sandra Duru—popularly known as “Prof. Mgbeke”—allegedly as part of a politically motivated smear campaign linked to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The journalist’s incarceration has stirred nationwide debate, with civil society groups decrying what they describe as a violation of press freedom and judicial overreach.

Akuwudike first came into the public eye earlier this year when he appeared on Adeola Fayehun’s programme to reveal that he had been offered ₦2.5 million to produce an audio jingle accusing Senator Natasha of plotting to destabilize the Senate leadership.

He alleged the request came from Sandra Duru, who wanted to frame the senator in an audio recording designed to appear like a leaked confession.

According to him, the scheme was orchestrated to serve powerful political interests, with Duru allegedly acting as a proxy for influential figures close to the Senate President.

Akuwudike, however, declined the offer and instead made the plot public.

Despite his whistleblowing, a court later ordered Akuwudike to produce the jingle as part of an ongoing criminal defamation case filed by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha. Akuwudike refused to comply, maintaining that producing or handing over such fabricated material would violate journalistic ethics and compromise his integrity.

His refusal led to his arrest and detention on charges of contempt of court.

At the heart of the controversy is Sandra Duru, who is listed as a key witness for the prosecution in the defamation suit against Senator Natasha.

However, records show that Duru is a fugitive, declared wanted by the Nigeria Police since 2016 in connection with fraud and threats to life. Critics say her involvement in the case, and her continued prominence despite her fugitive status, raises troubling questions about the credibility and motive behind the case against the senator.

Senator Natasha has maintained her innocence, insisting the case is politically motivated and designed to discredit her after she accused Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her. Her legal team has petitioned the Inspector General of Police to investigate the role of Sandra Duru and other actors in the alleged smear campaign.

Rights groups, media organizations, and activists have condemned Akuwudike’s detention. Many argue that his imprisonment sends a chilling message to journalists and whistleblowers who expose politically sensitive issues.

Some have called for his immediate release and an investigation into the political interference surrounding the case.

The situation continues to unfold amid rising concerns about the misuse of legal instruments to silence dissent, manipulate narratives, and punish journalists for exposing alleged political conspiracies. For now, Akuwudike remains in detention, standing firm on his refusal to be coerced into producing what he describes as “fake and malicious content.”