Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed joy after being granted N50 million bail by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, celebrating the decision with a heartfelt message to her supporters and husband.
The Kogi Central lawmaker, who is facing federal government prosecution for allegedly making false claims about an assassination plot, took to social media following Thursday’s court ruling to share her relief at avoiding remand in prison custody.
In an emotional post accompanied by a photo with her husband, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the suspended senator wrote: “Smile, king of my heart smile. The judge refused granting their wish and said you should take me home. How blessed I am.”
She continued her message of gratitude, stating: “Thank you good people of Nigeria, Kogi Central and Kogi state. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan.”
Justice Chizoba Orji of the FCT High Court delivered the bail ruling on June 19, rejecting the prosecution’s application to have Akpoti-Uduaghan remanded in prison custody pending trial. The court found sufficient evidence that the defendant was willing to face her trial, leading to the decision to grant bail rather than detention.
The federal government is prosecuting the suspended senator for allegedly making false claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were behind a plot to assassinate her.
The case stems from broader political tensions surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate for six months following her public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio.
The senator’s celebratory message to her husband, referring to him as “king of my heart,” highlighted the personal relief felt by her family following the court’s decision to allow her to return home rather than face detention.
Her expression of gratitude to “good people of Nigeria, Kogi Central and Kogi state” reflects her acknowledgment of the public support she has received throughout her legal challenges.
The N50 million bail allows Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain free while her case proceeds, enabling her to continue her defense against charges her supporters claim are politically motivated.
