The Federal Government has filed new cybercrime charges against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, intensifying an ongoing legal battle that observers say could have far-reaching political implications.
The fresh charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, was lodged at the Federal High Court, Abuja on May 22, 2025 just weeks after a similar case, CR/297/25, was initiated against the senator at the FCT High Court.
Both charges are rooted in alleged defamatory comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which the government claims targeted Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
While the FCT High Court case falls under Section 392 of the Penal Code (criminal defamation), the Federal High Court charge draws upon Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition) Act, 2024 (as amended).
According to court documents, the Federal Government accuses the senator of publishing online statements capable of damaging the public image of the two high-profile political figures.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has remained vocal since her suspension, has denied the accusations, calling them “politically motivated” and part of a broader effort to silence dissent.
“These charges are not about justice; they are about vengeance,” she said in a statement released last week. “This is intimidation disguised as law.”
The filing of parallel charges in two separate courts has drawn criticism from legal analysts and human rights advocates, who accuse the prosecution of “forum shopping” a controversial tactic used to increase the chances of securing a conviction by filing multiple cases on similar grounds in different jurisdictions.
“This is a dangerous trend,” said Barrister Anietie Effiong, a constitutional lawyer. “If the government keeps trying its luck in multiple courts, it undermines judicial integrity and due process.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was granted bail by the FCT High Court on June 19, is now scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court on June 30, 2025 for arraignment on the fresh cybercrime charges.
Political watchers say the outcome of these legal proceedings could impact not only Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political future but also set a precedent for how online speech and political criticism are handled in Nigeria.
As tensions escalate, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court to see whether it will dismiss the case as redundant or proceed with what many are calling a test of press freedom and political tolerance in the digital age.
