Akpabio’s aide seeks IGP probe into defamation by influencers

Akpabio’s aide seeks IGP probe into defamation by influencers

Kenny Okolugbo, former Delta State Commissioner and current Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has filed a formal petition with the Inspector General of Police, calling for an immediate probe into what he described as a coordinated cyberattack and defamation effort designed to harm his reputation and mislead the public.

In his petition, Okolugbo claimed his verified account on the social media platform X was hacked, and that damaging statements falsely attributed to him were posted without his knowledge or consent.

According to him, the false content was allegedly picked up and further amplified by social media influencers Tunde Ednut (@mazitundeednut), Rufai Oseni (@ruffydfire), and Adeola Fayehun (@adeolafayehun).

He alleged that the trio not only circulated the fake post but added new, fabricated claims — including accusations of phone cloning, voice manipulation, and imaginary meetings in London.

“These allegations are not only untrue but impossible based on verified evidence,” he stated in the petition. “Most disturbing is that the fabricated post was simultaneously circulated and embellished by these influencers using identical language and coordinated timing, pointing to a syndicated disinformation campaign.”

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Okolugbo linked the smear campaign to allegations previously made by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, suggesting that the influencers’ actions were aimed at reinforcing those claims.

He stressed that the online narratives went beyond the content of the hacked post and appeared deliberately designed to damage his credibility.

He asked the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the breach of his account under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.

He also called for the identification and prosecution of those behind the false and defamatory content, and for the preservation of all relevant digital materials from social media platforms and service providers to aid forensic analysis.

Okolugbo argued that the issue carried both public significance and personal urgency, and urged law enforcement authorities to act “swiftly and decisively.”

To support his case, he submitted travel records confirming he had not been in London at any time in 2025. The documents showed his last visit to the UK was on November 5, 2024, and that no meetings were held there during that period.

He also included printed copies of the alleged defamatory posts to assist investigators in understanding the context and scope of the manipulation.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to respond publicly to the petition.

Akpabio’s aide seeks IGP probe into defamation by influencers.