Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from the case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio filed a petition questioning Justice Egwuatu’s objectivity in the matter.
The case was originally set for hearing, but Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to step down in a short ruling. He instructed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
This development comes after Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order on March 4, halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions’ disciplinary proceedings against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The order was granted pending the determination of the suit filed by the embattled lawmaker.
Justice Egwuatu had also given the defendants 72 hours to explain why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued to prevent them from investigating the plaintiff for alleged misconduct without affording her constitutional privileges.
