The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan under Nigeria’s amended Cybercrimes Act, marking a significant step in its efforts to combat misinformation and uphold digital integrity.
The senator faces six criminal charges for allegedly making false and damaging statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Yahaya Bello. The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, represents the most prominent test of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, since its enactment.
Allegations and Legal Basis
Between April 1 and 14, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly claimed in public speeches and a live television interview that Akpabio and Bello conspired to assassinate her.
In a speech delivered in Ihima, Kogi State, she allegedly stated:
“Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me.”
Days later, during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, she reiterated the allegations, asserting:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night… to eliminate me.”
The Federal Government contends that these statements, widely disseminated through digital platforms, were knowingly false and intended to incite unrest. Prosecutors argue that the remarks violate Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes the intentional spread of false information to damage reputations or provoke public disorder.
The Amended Cybercrimes Act.
The 2024 amendment, signed by President Bola Tinubu, strengthens Nigeria’s legal framework against digital misinformation. It specifically targets:
False information, designed to harm reputations.
Threatening or inciteful content, that could disrupt public order.
Deliberate disinformation, spread via social media and other digital channels.
Legal experts note that the law now focuses on the most harmful forms of online speech, including politically motivated falsehoods.
Charges and Implications.
The charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan include:
Defamation against Senate President Akpabio (Counts 1 & 3).
Defamation against former Governor Bello (Counts 2 & 4).
Knowingly spreading falsehoods
to incite public disorder (Counts 5 & 6).
The prosecution asserts that the senator’s statements, if unchecked, could undermine trust in government institutions and escalate political tensions.
Broader Context: Nigeria’s Digital Landscape
With over 103 million internet users and 36.7 million active social media accounts**, Nigeria remains highly susceptible to the rapid spread of misinformation. Studies indicate that 59% of Nigerians rely on social media for news, amplifying the risks of viral falsehoods.
This case signals the government’s resolve to enforce accountability, even among high-ranking officials. By pursuing legal action rather than public rebuttals, authorities aim to reinforce due process and the rule of law in an era where digital misinformation poses a growing threat to national stability.
What Comes Next?
As the trial prepares to commence, the court will examine evidence, including broadcast transcripts and public statements, to determine whether the senator’s remarks constituted a criminal violation. The outcome could set a precedent for how Nigeria addresses digital disinformation by public figures.
