Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has withdrawn from the case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central District.
During the court session on Tuesday, March 25, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to step down, citing allegations of bias levelled against him by the third defendant in the case, Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Reports indicate that Akpabio had expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice, leading to Justice Egwuatu’s recusal.
The judge further stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.
Previously, Justice Egwuatu had granted an ex-parte order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
She had petitioned the court to halt the Senate’s investigation into her activities.
