The Federal Government has filed a fresh charge against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This comes just weeks after a similar case was brought against her at the FCT High Court.
The new case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, was filed on May 22, 2025, and accused the senator of making online remarks said to damage the image of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The earlier charge, marked CR/297/25, was based on criminal defamation under Section 392 of the Penal Code, while the new one is linked to the Cybercrime (Prohibition) Act, 2024, specifically Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c).
Both charges are built on the same facts and statements, leading to concerns that the government may be trying to test its chances in multiple courts.
Legal observers said this approach, often called forum shopping, could be seen as an attempt to pressure the senator or find a favourable ruling.
Some lawyers said filing the same case in different courts clogs the judicial system and may be a form of harassment, especially when the comments are seen as part of free speech.
Senator Natasha, who has denied the claims, was granted a N50 million bail on June 19, 2025, by the FCT High Court.
She is expected to appear before the Federal High Court on Monday, June 30, 2025, for arraignment on the new charge.
