A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has recused himself from a lawsuit involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioning his impartiality.
Justice Egwuatu, who had been handling the case, made the announcement on Tuesday and returned the file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. His withdrawal comes after he issued an interim order on March 4, temporarily halting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The senator faced allegations of breaching Senate rules, prompting the judge to order that disciplinary actions be paused until the case was determined. He also instructed the defendants to justify their inquiry into the senator’s conduct, ensuring adherence to constitutional and legislative procedures.
Despite the court’s directive, the Senate proceeded with its inquiry and imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan. Subsequently, Justice Egwuatu modified his ruling, lifting the restriction on the Senate’s ability to act while the case continued.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, has challenged the court’s authority over Senate affairs, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle.
