FG Puts New Cybercrime Law to Test, Slams Senator Natasha with Six Charges

The Federal Government has filed six cybercrime charges against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, marking a major test of Nigeria’s amended Cybercrimes Act.

The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making false and damaging statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

According to prosecutors, between April 1 and 14, 2025, the senator publicly claimed — both at a rally in Ihima, Kogi State, and during a live television interview — that Akpabio and Bello conspired to assassinate her.

The government argues these statements, broadcast and shared widely online, were knowingly false and intended to incite public unrest. They allege the remarks violate Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, which criminalizes the deliberate spread of false information that could damage reputations or provoke disorder.

The amended Act, signed by President Bola Tinubu, strengthens measures against digital misinformation and disinformation.

The six charges include defamation against Akpabio and Bello, and spreading falsehoods likely to incite public disorder. Prosecutors say unchecked statements like these could undermine trust in public institutions and heighten political tensions.