The High Court sitting in Uyo has granted bail to Prof. Ignatius Uduk, who was convicted of alleged electoral fraud, pending the outcome of his appeal. The bail was granted due to his critical health condition.
Justice Okon Okon, in his ruling on the bail application, approved bail for Uduk in the sum of N2 million with two sureties. The judge also ordered that the applicant must not travel out of the country during the bail period and must deposit his international passport with the court.
The case, with charge number HU/240c/2020, was brought before the court by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against Prof. Ignatius Uduk. INEC was represented in court by Mr. Daniel Nwike, while Uduk’s legal team included Chief Kalu Umeh (SAN), Senator Ita Enang, Dr. Joe Udoinyang, and George Ezegwu.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Senator Ita Enang expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He stated that the legal team would expedite efforts to meet the bail conditions to ensure Uduk’s release for medical treatment while the appeal is pending.
“The court has granted bail pending appeal to Prof. Ignatius Uduk in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The applicant is also required to deposit his international passport and must not travel out of the jurisdiction during the bail period,” Enang explained.
He added, “We are taking urgent steps to perfect the bail conditions while working diligently to ensure the appeal is filed at the Court of Appeal. The records have been compiled and are being transmitted for the expeditious prosecution of the appeal.”
Enang expressed gratitude to the court and acknowledged the efforts of the legal team, particularly lead counsel Chief Kalu Umeh (SAN), as well as everyone who supported the process.
