BREAKING: Judge Recuses Self from Natasha’s Case, Cites Akpabio’s Petition

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja recused himself on Tuesday from hearing the case filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

His decision followed a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, challenging his impartiality in the matter.

Although the suit was scheduled for hearing, Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal in a brief ruling when the case was called.

He stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

Previously, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of misconduct. He ruled that the disciplinary process should be halted pending the suit’s determination.

Furthermore, he directed the defendants to justify within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to prevent them from probing the senator without affording her the privileges outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

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He also permitted the plaintiff to serve the originating summons and other legal documents on the defendants through substituted means—either by delivering them to the Clerk of the National Assembly or by pasting them at the National Assembly and publishing them in two national newspapers.

The interim order was granted based on an ex-parte application and an affidavit of urgency submitted by the senator.

However, despite the court’s directive, the Senate Committee proceeded with its hearing and suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

Subsequently, following an application from the defendants, Justice Egwuatu amended his interim order, lifting the restriction that prevented the Senate from taking any action while the case was pending.

Senate President Akpabio, represented by a legal team led by Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, challenged the court’s authority to interfere in the Senate’s internal affairs.

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