Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Raises Alarm Over Phone Hack, Warns Public Against Impersonators

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has warned the public after cybercriminals hacked her phone and began impersonating her to deceive high-profile Nigerians with false requests and messages.

Using the alias “Thomas Rhoda,” the hackers targeted figures like Senator Ben Obi and Pa. Sam Amuka, raising concerns of political sabotage and privacy breaches.

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised a serious alarm over the hacking of her mobile phone, disclosing that cybercriminals have been using her identity to reach out to prominent Nigerians under false pretenses.

In an official statement released by her media office, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that unknown individuals had compromised her phone line and were using it to impersonate her and establish fraudulent contact with high-profile individuals. The hackers, operating under the alias “Thomas Rhoda” and using the Nigerian phone number +2347067565181, have reportedly contacted several influential figures, pretending to be representatives or affiliates of the senator.

Among the prominent personalities reportedly targeted by the impostors are Senator Ben Obi and veteran media mogul Pa. Sam Amuka Pemu, publisher of Vanguard Newspapers. Others, whose names were not disclosed, are also believed to have been approached with misleading messages and potentially damaging requests.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the public to exercise caution and ignore any form of communication whether by calls, texts, or social media messages that appears to come from her during this period. She stated unequivocally that any requests or messages allegedly sent in her name are fraudulent and should not be entertained.

“This breach of my communication device is not only a violation of my privacy but also an attempt to damage my reputation and deceive unsuspecting individuals,” she noted. “I urge everyone to disregard any messages or calls claiming to originate from me or on my behalf.”

The senator, who was recently suspended from the National Assembly, has been in the public spotlight following her bold accusation of sexual harassment against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. Her outspoken stance has drawn both support and controversy, and the timing of the phone hack has raised further concerns about targeted attacks and political intimidation.

Her husband, Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, confirmed that appropriate security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), have been alerted to the situation. According to him, investigations are currently underway to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We are working closely with the authorities to get to the root of this cyber intrusion. The intent of these individuals is malicious, and we are confident that law enforcement agencies will identify and apprehend them soon,” Mr. Uduaghan said.

He also emphasized the importance of digital security, calling on public officials and private individuals alike to be vigilant and take extra measures to protect their communications from unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity experts have also weighed in on the situation, noting that phone cloning and SIM swap fraud are increasingly common in Nigeria, especially when high-profile individuals are involved in politically sensitive matters. They have advised the senator to work with her mobile service provider to regain control of her line and secure all connected digital accounts.

As investigations continue, members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious communication they may receive in connection with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s name to the appropriate security agencies.