UYO – The High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has granted bail to Professor Ignatius Uduk, pending the determination of his appeal. Prof. Uduk, a retired University of Uyo academic, was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral fraud.

Justice Bassey Nkanang had convicted Prof. Uduk on February 5, 2025, in Suit No: HU/240c/2020, filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The case stemmed from his role as Collation/Returning Officer for the Essien Udim State Constituency in the 2019 General Elections.

On Thursday, Justice Okon Okon ruled on a bail application brought before the High Court in Uyo. The court granted Prof. Uduk bail in the sum of ₦2 million, with two sureties of equal sum, who must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction.

The judge based his decision on the applicant’s critical health condition, while imposing strict restrictions: Prof. Uduk is forbidden from traveling outside Nigeria during the bail period. He must deposit his international passport with the court. And Legal Representation

INEC was represented in court by Mr. Daniel Nwike, while Prof. Uduk’s legal team included: Chief Kalu Umeh (SAN), Sen. Ita Enang (OFR), Dr. Joe Udoinyang, George Ezegwu.

Following the ruling, Sen. Ita Enang expressed gratitude to the court and outlined the next steps: “We are taking urgent steps to perfect the bail conditions while also ensuring that the appeal is entered at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible. The records have been completely compiled and are being transmitted for expeditious prosecution of the appeal.”

INEC’s legal team declined to comment on the ruling.



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/electoral-fraud-court-grants-bail-to-jailed-prof-uduk-pending-appeal/