Former senator Peter Nwaoboshi is facing fresh legal trouble over allegations that he falsely accused Senator Ned Nwoko of bribing judges and manipulating judicial appointments.
According to charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nwaoboshi allegedly claimed during a press briefing on July 22, 2023, that Nwoko paid $1.5 million to influence judicial decisions.
These statements, widely circulated across social and mainstream media, were deemed false and intended to incite unrest, threaten Nwoko’s safety, and damage his reputation.
The prosecution stated that Nwaoboshi made these accusations not only at the press briefing but also during an online TV interview, allegedly inciting further hostility against Nwoko.
Authorities argue that the former senator was aware—or should have been aware—that his statements could provoke public disorder and enmity.
The charges fall under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended), which criminalizes the deliberate dissemination of false information with intent to harm.
If convicted, Nwaoboshi faces severe penalties, including potential imprisonment and hefty fines.