On Thursday, attempts to have the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, detained by a High Court in Abuja fell flat, much to the dismay of her opponents who are intent on seeing her imprisoned.
Justice Chizoba Orji rejected the Federal Government’s application seeking to remand Senator Natasha in custody pending the outcome of a criminal case against her. The court ruled that there was insufficient grounds to deny her bail, highlighting clear evidence that the legislator was prepared to stand trial.
The court subsequently granted bail to the defendant, instructing her to produce one surety who owns property in Abuja, alongside a bail sum of N50 million.
However, political analysts believe the real battle lies ahead on June 27, when the Abuja Federal High Court is expected to rule on her contentious six-month suspension from the Senate.
There are increasing indications that the ultimate aim of her adversaries is to eliminate her presence from the National Assembly entirely. Numerous failed attempts indicate a consistent pattern of desperation.
Initially, there was a rushed illegal recall process, reportedly costing billions of Naira. Locals were misled into signing recall documents, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later rejected for failing to meet constitutional requirements.
Next came various attempts to ensnare her with multiple legal charges. The Federal Government became embroiled in the case and filed criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja under CHARGE NO: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 – Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, this arraignment is scheduled for June 30—after the court’s ruling on her suspension.
Not content with the timing, her opponents swiftly filed a separate case through the same Federal Government. A fresh charge, CHARGE NO: FCT/CR/297/2025, was brought against her at the Abuja High Court on 19 June. Once again, Senator Natasha was granted bail, and her adversaries failed to achieve their ultimate goal.
This sequence of events paints a clear picture: there is a coordinated effort to ensure her imprisonment before the June 27 suspension ruling. But with both attempts now thwarted, attention shifts to the judiciary to determine whether her six-month suspension—widely regarded as unlawful—will be overturned.
In a desperate attempt to further delay the Federal High Court’s ruling on her suspension, it is noteworthy that the first judge assigned to the case, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, recused himself after a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio was submitted to the NJC and DSS, alleging bias. The case was subsequently reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako, who has set judgment for June 27, 2025, in the suit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Her political opponents are acutely aware of what is at stake. Precedents have shown that the judiciary has a well-documented history of reversing similar suspensions deemed unconstitutional.
In 2017, Senator Ali Ndume was suspended for 90 legislative days. A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the action illegal and ordered his reinstatement.
In 2018, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege faced a similar outcome after accusing colleagues of working against then-President Buhari’s re-election. The court likewise declared his suspension unlawful.
Similarly, in 2016, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin was suspended for 180 days after accusing the leadership of the House of Representatives of alleged budget padding. The Federal High Court not only nullified his suspension but also ordered the payment of his withheld salaries and allowances.
These precedents explain why Senator Natasha’s adversaries dread the outcome of the June 27 ruling. They are aware that her suspension lacks legal basis—and should the court adhere to past rulings, she will be reinstated.
Their apparent goal is to keep her away from the Senate chamber by any means necessary before that verdict. Yet, they have failed once more.
Concerned citizens are urging the judiciary to uphold justice and protect the integrity of the law. They call for a ruling that not only reinstates Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but also sends a strong message: no Nigerian woman should be silenced for speaking out against abuse, corruption, or sexual harassment.
