The Federal Government has filed a fresh cybercrime charge against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over comments allegedly targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.

The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, mirrors an earlier defamation charge already pending at the FCT High Court, prompting concerns over double prosecution.

The charges stem from Natasha’s public claims accusing Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.

In the Federal High Court case, the prosecution alleged that the senator made online statements with the intent to cause public ridicule against the two political figures.

The government invoked Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a)(c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015.

Justice Muhammed Umar refused to issue a bench warrant for her arrest, ruling that Natasha had not yet been properly served. The judge then ordered substituted service and adjourned the case to June 30.

Critics have described the government’s actions as “forum shopping” since a similar charge is already before another court.

In the earlier FCT case, Natasha was granted bail after being arraigned on June 19. That charge was based on her claims in an interview where she accused Akpabio of withdrawing her security and urging Bello to have her killed.

The senator has maintained that the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to silence her.

Natasha, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, was elected to the Senate in November 2023 and was suspended by the Senate in March after accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.