A pro-democracy group on the aegis of ‘Action Collective’, has raised alarm over what it described as a “sponsored desperate and fraudulent campaign” aimed at tarnishing the image of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
It alleged that the smear campaign is being spearheaded by a con artist, Sandra Duru, using artificial intelligence-generated content.
A statement by Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, National Coordinator, Action Collective, decried a trending video purportedly featuring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Action Collective pointedly said that the content was nothing more than an AI fabrication, thus urged members of the public to disregard any material bearing the Senator’s name or likeness that does not emanate from her verified platforms.
Onyejuwe further said; “The disinformation campaign is the handiwork of political opponents who are deploying Duru as a pawn to mislead the public. We call on Nigerians to ignore such content and to be vigilant about the growing use of digital manipulation to spread falsehood”.
Action Collective described Sandra Duru, whom it accused of adopting the name of “Professor Ngbeke,” as a serial fraudster with a longstanding reputation for deceit, stressing that her notoriety stems from her involvement in a web of fictitious NGOs and shell companies, which she used to defraud public figures, private citizens, and institutions alike.
It also alleged that Duru’s initial appearance in the political landscape of Imo State to a relationship with Chantel Adanna Chinyere, whom she allegedly betrayed after securing access to political elites, adding that her reputation reportedly worsened during the 2011 elections, when she was accused of launching smear campaigns against those who stood in her way, including former Deputy Governor Eze Madumere amongst others.
In the words of Onyejuwe; “She is a master fabricator who uses forged letters, fake programs, and non-existent partnerships to lure unsuspecting victims”.
The Action Collective also noted multiple publications detailing her activities, including a June 10, 2020 article on Nairaland and an April 24, 2027 report on Secretsreporter.com, where Duru was linked to numerous scams and misrepresentations.
According to Onyejuwe; “One prominent example cited by the group involved Chukwubuike Nelson Ubechi, who reportedly lost N1.2 million in a travel and training scam orchestrated by Duru through the Pre-Adult Affairs Organization (PAAO), which she falsely claimed had international endorsements.
“Beyond public fraud, Duru’s web of deception extends to her personal relationships, citing allegations of blackmail and emotional manipulation by her estranged husband, Emmanuel Ebuka Elobi, and his family.
“This is someone whose every move is laced with fraud, betrayal, and character assassination. She has used everything from fake marriages to AI tools in her crusade of lies,” he said.
Action Collective appealed to media organizations, government agencies, and members of the public to steer clear of Sandra Duru and her schemes, stressing that Nigerians should treat any AI-generated material associated with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with the highest level of scepticism.
