Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Ubani, has criticised the public celebration that followed the court’s decision to grant bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the jubilation as premature and misguided.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, where she pleaded not guilty to charges brought against her.
Following a bail application by her counsel, the court granted her bail in line with standard legal provisions, as the alleged offence is bailable.
However, what should have been a routine court proceeding turned into a spectacle as her supporters stormed the court in large numbers, occupying the limited seating space in the courtroom as early as 9:00 a.m.
Upon hearing that the Senator had been granted bail, they broke into wild jubilation, chanting victory songs and creating what observers described as an “unnecessary scene.”
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Reacting to the developments, Dr. Ubani issued a strongly worded statement, berating the conduct of the Senator’s supporters and describing it as a misunderstanding of basic legal processes.
“Bail is not acquittal. Why all the drama?” Ubani asked pointedly. “What exactly is special about getting bail for a bailable offence? The celebration was over the top and uncalled for.”
He further stated that while Senator Natasha may enjoy media attention and strong grassroots support, her current legal battle is one that will be decided strictly on the basis of evidence.
“Natasha loves theatrics, but her most fascinating strength lies in the gullibility of her followers,” he said. “Now that the matter is before the court, we can finally separate facts from fiction. Here, evidence—not noise—will speak. The court doesn’t operate by blog headlines or online hype.”
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Ubani, who has often commented on high-profile legal matters, warned that the real trial had not even begun.
“This early dance is amusing and may be too early. The real legal fireworks will start on September 23, when the trial is scheduled to commence,” he said.
He concluded his remarks with a metaphor: “Truth, like pregnancy, cannot be hidden forever. It will soon show. Natasha, arm yourself with your evidence. As for me, I’m still smiling in Swahili.”
