The crisis surrounding the high-profile case between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Senator Natasha Akpoti has deepened, as Prof. Sandra Duru, widely known as Prof. Mgbeke, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, accusing a senior officer of corruption, intimidation and obstruction of justice.
In her petition, Duru called for the removal and investigation of Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, who heads the IGP Monitoring Unit. She alleged that Fakorede had abused his position, interfered with her case, and acted in ways she described as “gross misconduct” and “institutional complicity.”
Duru, who has been a key witness in the dispute with Senator Akpoti, has previously released videos and audio recordings she claims support her accusations. In the petition, she further demanded the return of her case file, the release of a suspect, and the handover of her house key, which she alleged remained in police custody.
The whistleblower also cited threats to her life, issuing the IGP a 72-hour ultimatum to act.
Tensions between Duru and Commissioner Fakorede escalated after the release of WhatsApp conversations, which she says show the officer initially praising her as a “hero of the moment” before turning hostile when she accused him of tampering with witnesses and evidence. The exchanges quickly descended into trading of insults, with Duru insisting the officer had compromised the investigation.
Duru’s public campaign has drawn fierce criticism. Since her nationwide broadcast linking Senator Akpoti to allegations of misconduct, she says she has endured relentless attacks, even involving her children. She describes her struggle as a “one-woman war” to defend her reputation and push her allegations through the justice system.
Beyond her petition, Duru has initiated separate legal action against those she claims defamed her, a case reportedly lodged at the Cyber Crimes Unit. She maintains that elements within the police have worked in concert with Senator Akpoti to frustrate proceedings.
The latest petition against Fakorede has added a fresh layer of controversy, fuelling public unease about transparency in the handling of politically sensitive cases. While Duru insists she has credible evidence against the commissioner, the police hierarchy has yet to respond publicly.
For many Nigerians, the unfolding battle underscores a broader crisis of confidence in law enforcement, where allegations of bias and interference continue to erode trust in an already fragile system.
