Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja has recused himself from the case filed by the Senator Representing Kogi Central District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw from the case following the usual court appearances.
He cited an allegation of bias from the third defendant in the case, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as the primary reason for his decision.
Reports indicate that the Senate President expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s ability to fairly handle the matter, which led to Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal.
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 a different judge.
Previously, Justice Egwuatu had issued an ex-parte order, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had sought the court’s intervention to prevent the Senate and the ethics committee from continuing with the “purported investigation” against her.
The female lawmaker was involved in a seat arrangement dispute with Akpabio and accused him of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Following the allegations, the Senate suspended her for six months for misconduct.
