Nigerian journalist and media activist, Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, has been arrested by the Imo State Police Command over allegations of defamation involving high-profile individuals, sparking concerns over press freedom and whistleblower protection in Nigeria.
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Obinna was reportedly picked up around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Owerri, the Imo State capital. His arrest comes shortly after he granted an interview on journalist Adeola Fayehun’s YouTube channel, where he alleged that businesswoman Sandra Duru, popularly known as Prof. Mgbeke, contracted him to produce defamatory videos targeting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
According to Obinna, he initially accepted the assignment under the impression that it was a legitimate media production job. However, he said he became uncomfortable after detecting inconsistencies in Duru’s narrative and decided to pull out.
“I received money for producing videos but grew concerned after noticing inconsistencies in Duru’s public statements,” Obinna said in the interview. He further claimed that the videos were part of a coordinated smear campaign, describing the allegations made against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as “entirely false.”
The journalist’s arrest has ignited a wave of speculation about possible political motivations, given the prior controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Observers fear Obinna’s arrest may be a targeted attempt to silence a whistleblower. Calls for transparency and protection of media professionals have already begun circulating on social media.
Confirming the arrest, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said Obinna was initially the complainant in the matter, but later made a social media post that allegedly defamed Sandra Duru.
“Yes, he is confirming a case we are investigating. Initially, he was the complainant in the matter. But then he posted another video on social media which resulted in a defamation of character against one Sandra Duru,” Okoye stated.
He explained that the journalist was invited to clarify his statements but failed to honour the police invitation, prompting the arrest.
“We served him an invitation and asked him to come and explain the things he had said. He did not report on time. In fact, he refused to report, and then we arrested him,” Okoye added.
He assured the public that a fair investigation would be conducted. “There is no cause for alarm. We are going to carry out a diligent investigation, and at the end of the day, justice will be served,” he said.
As of press time, Obinna remains in police custody. It is not yet clear whether formal charges have been filed. Legal analysts suggest the case could raise important questions around the limits of free speech, media responsibility, and whistleblower protection under Nigerian law.
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