FG Files New Cybercrime Charges Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: What You Need to Know

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has escalated its legal battle with suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by filing fresh criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This new development, which adds a new layer to the ongoing legal saga, has raised questions about the use of state power, political opposition suppression, and the controversial legal strategy known as “forum shopping.”

New Charges Filed Under Cybercrime Act

The fresh charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were filed on May 22, 2025, and are marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25. The Federal Government is accusing the Senator of violating specific provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act of 2024 (as amended)—specifically, Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c).

According to the charge sheet, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly used social media platforms to make statements that could “damage the public image” of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The Federal Government claims these online comments amount to cyber harassment and image defamation, as defined by the updated cybercrime law.

It is important to note that this new charge comes just weeks after another criminal case—CR/297/25—was initiated against the same Senator at the FCT High Court. That earlier case is based on Section 392 of the Penal Code, which deals with criminal defamation.

Understanding the Legal Foundation: Penal Code vs. Cybercrime Act

To better understand the seriousness of the accusations, let’s examine the laws involved:

• Section 392 of the Penal Code criminalizes defamation and prescribes imprisonment for those who make false statements intended to harm another person’s reputation.

• Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act criminalize the use of computer systems and networks to send messages that are “grossly offensive” or “intended to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will.”

By filing the same case under two different legal frameworks, the government has widened its legal net and possibly increased the potential consequences the Senator might face.

“Politically Motivated and Meant to Silence Me” – Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

In response to these allegations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained defiant. She has firmly denied the claims made by the Federal Government, describing them as “politically motivated and designed to intimidate opposition voices.”

According to the Senator:

“This is nothing more than an attempt to silence me because I have dared to speak up against injustice, corruption, and abuse of power. I will not be intimidated.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for transparency and good governance, claims that her legal ordeal is a continuation of political witch-hunting that began even before her election victory in 2023.

Accusations of Forum Shopping

Legal analysts and civil society groups have raised alarm over what they see as “forum shopping” by the Federal Government. Forum shopping refers to the practice of filing similar or identical charges in multiple courts to increase the likelihood of a favorable judgment.

This tactic has been criticized as a manipulation of the judicial process, one that can overwhelm the accused and put them at a disadvantage by requiring them to defend themselves in different court jurisdictions simultaneously.

According to one Abuja-based human rights lawyer:

“This is a clear case of forum shopping. You can't keep dragging someone to court repeatedly for the same offence in different places. It undermines the spirit of fair hearing and justice.”

The decision to proceed with cases in both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court—using two different laws for essentially the same set of alleged statements—has fueled public suspicion and criticism of the government’s motives.

Upcoming Court Date and Bail Status

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail by the FCT High Court on June 19, 2025, in relation to the criminal defamation charge. She is now scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court on June 30, 2025, for arraignment on the cybercrime charge.

It remains to be seen whether the court will consolidate the charges or treat them separately, but the Senator’s legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge the duplicity of the proceedings.

The Bigger Picture: Opposition Under Pressure?

This is not the first time a member of the opposition has faced legal battles that observers describe as politically driven. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is being closely monitored by civil society organizations, international observers, and political commentators, many of whom believe that the charges are part of a broader pattern of harassment against opposition figures in Nigeria.

The 2023 general elections brought about intense political rivalry in Kogi State, where Natasha emerged as a significant threat to the APC’s dominance. Her surprise victory in the senatorial race was widely celebrated by her supporters as a breakthrough for democratic progress in the region. However, her tenure has been marred by confrontations with powerful political interests, particularly those allied with former governor Yahaya Bello.

Critics of the current administration argue that the charges are meant to send a message to other opposition lawmakers: toe the line or face legal consequences.

What Nigerians Are Saying

Social media has been buzzing with reactions. Many Nigerians have voiced support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, using hashtags like #StandWithNatasha and #DefendDemocracy. Some believe that the charges represent a dangerous trend in the curtailment of free speech and political dissent.

One Twitter user wrote:

“The government is clearly afraid of strong women with strong voices. Natasha is being targeted because she speaks truth to power. We must not be silent while this happens.”

Others, however, argue that no one should be above the law, and if defamatory or harmful statements were made, they must be accounted for in court.

Final Thoughts

The case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is more than just a legal issue—it’s a test of Nigeria’s democratic values, judicial integrity, and the balance between state power and individual rights. As the country awaits the next court date on June 30, 2025, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court to see how it handles this politically sensitive matter.

Whether these charges will stand or fall remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this case is set to shape public discourse on freedom of speech, judicial fairness, and the rights of opposition voices in Nigeria.