On Thursday, efforts to have the lawmaker for Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, detained by a High Court in Abuja collapsed, much to the dismay of her detractors who are determined to see her incarcerated.
Justice Chizoba Orji dismissed the Federal Government’s application seeking to remand Senator Natasha in prison custody while awaiting the outcome of a criminal case against her. The court ruled that there were insufficient grounds to deny her bail, noting clear evidence that the legislator was ready to face trial.
The court subsequently granted bail to the defendant, instructing her to provide a surety who owns property in Abuja, in addition to a bail sum of N50 million.
However, political analysts assert that the real struggle lies ahead on June 27, when the Abuja Federal High Court is expected to deliver a ruling on her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate.
There are growing indications that her opponents aim to completely erase her presence from the National Assembly. The series of failed attempts suggests a consistent pattern of desperation.
Initially, there was a hurried illegal recall process, reportedly costing billions of Naira. Residents were misled into signing recall documents, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later rejected for failing to meet constitutional standards.
Following that, attempts were made to entrap her with several legal charges. The Federal Government became involved 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 ruling on her suspension.
Dissatisfied with the timing, her adversaries quickly filed a separate case through the same Federal Government. A new charge, CHARGE NO: FCT/CR/297/2025, was lodged against her at the Abuja High Court on 19 June. Once again, Senator Natasha was granted bail, and her opponents failed to achieve their intended objective.
This chain of events presents a clear narrative: there is a coordinated effort to ensure she is incarcerated before the June 27 ruling on her suspension. But with both attempts now unsuccessful, focus turns to the judiciary to determine if her six-month suspension—widely seen as unlawful—will be overturned.
In a desperate move to delay the Federal High Court’s ruling on her suspension, it is worth noting that the first judge assigned to the case, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, stepped aside following a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio submitted to the NJC and DSS, alleging bias. The case was subsequently reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako, who has scheduled a judgment date for June 27, 2025, in the suit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Her political adversaries understand the stakes involved. Historical precedents demonstrate that the judiciary has a well-established record of reversing similar suspensions deemed unconstitutional.
In 2017, Senator Ali Ndume faced a 90-day suspension. A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the action illegal and mandated his reinstatement.
In 2018, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege experienced a similar outcome after accusing colleagues of undermining then-President Buhari’s re-election. The court also deemed his suspension unlawful.
Likewise, 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 elucidate why Senator Natasha’s foes are apprehensive about the June 27 ruling. They realise that her suspension lacks legal merit—and should the court follow established rulings, she will be reinstated.
Their apparent objective seems to be to keep her out of the Senate chamber by any means necessary before that verdict. Yet, they have failed once again.
Concerned citizens are urging the judiciary to uphold justice and protect the rule of law. They call for a ruling that not only reinstates Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but also sends a resounding message: no Nigerian woman should be silenced for raising her voice against abuse, corruption, or sexual harassment.
