A Nigerian journalist, Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, has been taken into custody by police in Imo State following explosive claims he made in a recent online interview that implicated key political figures in a defamation scheme.
Obinna, a media activist, was reportedly arrested around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday in Owerri. His arrest came shortly after an appearance on Adeola Fayehun’s YouTube channel, where he disclosed that he was initially contracted to produce slanderous material against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In the interview, Obinna stated that Sandra Duru, widely known as “Prof Mgbeke,” had paid him to create the content. He said what began as a routine media engagement quickly became suspicious, prompting him to back out over concerns about the authenticity of her claims.
Obinna’s arrest has ignited concerns among civil rights groups and press freedom advocates, who view it as a growing pattern of state repression under Tinubu’s watch. Critics argue that the state is using defamation laws to clamp down on whistleblowers and dissenting voices.
This development also follows months of political tension between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha had previously raised allegations of misconduct against Akpabio, a move that may have unsettled political interests.
Police in Imo confirmed the arrest, claiming Obinna was invited for questioning over a defamation report but failed to comply, prompting them to act.
“Investigations are ongoing,” a police spokesperson said.
However, civil society groups are questioning the timing and manner of the arrest, especially given Obinna’s public warnings about his safety.
In a video clip lasting 111 seconds and circulating on X (formerly Twitter), the journalist was seen visibly shaken as he issued a chilling warning:
“I am scared. I know that my life is in danger, but I have to do what I have to do. I am putting my family in danger by doing this, but I believe that God will protect me.”
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