Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has vehemently disassociated herself from a viral audio recording circulating on social media, asserting that the voice attributed to her is a malicious deepfake intended to misrepresent her views and sow discord.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that she did not participate in any conversation resembling the content of the audio and that the voice is not hers.
Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the dangers of such digital manipulations, noting that this is not the first time her identity has been misused through doctored audio clips.
The senator further alleged that unknown individuals may have accessed her communications to place fraudulent calls to prominent personalities using voice cloning technology.
She described this trend as both criminal and dangerous, stressing the broader implications for privacy, public safety, and democratic discourse in Nigeria.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan called on the public to disregard the audio and confirmed that her legal and security teams are currently investigating the matter to identify those responsible.
She reaffirmed her commitment to truth, justice, and responsible democratic engagement, urging Nigerians to be vigilant and resist the spread of disinformation, especially as technology continues to evolve.
This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including a six-month suspension from the Senate following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension, which she and various women’s rights groups have condemned as politically motivated, has sparked nationwide protests and debates about gender equality and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
As the investigation into the deepfake audio unfolds, the senator’s supporters and civil society organizations continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the protection of democratic institutions against technological abuses.
