FG Files Fresh Cybercrime Charge Against Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal Government has filed a fresh charge against suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The new charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 22, 2025—just weeks after a separate charge (CR/297/25) was instituted at the FCT High Court. Both cases stem from statements allegedly made by the senator, which the government claims damaged the reputations of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.

While the FCT High Court case is based on Section 392 of the Penal Code relating to criminal defamation, the new Federal High Court case is brought under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition) Act, 2024 (as amended). Prosecutors allege Akpoti-Uduaghan made online comments that could harm the public images of the two political figures.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied all allegations, insisting they are politically motivated attempts to silence opposition voices.

The filing of similar charges in different courts has drawn criticism, with legal observers accusing the government of forum shopping—a controversial practice of filing multiple cases across jurisdictions to secure a favorable verdict.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court on June 30, 2025, for arraignment. She was previously granted bail by the FCT High Court on June 19.