Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio submitted a petition questioning the judge’s neutrality.
Justice Egwuatu, who was assigned to handle the matter, announced on Tuesday that he would no longer preside over the case. The case had been scheduled for a hearing, but when it was called up in court, the judge stated that he was stepping aside. He further noted that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
The case stems from a disciplinary process initiated against Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. She was accused of violating Senate rules, leading to her suspension. However, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order preventing the committee from taking further action against her.
The judge ruled that the disciplinary process should not continue until the case was fully decided in court. He also directed the defendants to provide a response within 72 hours, explaining why the investigation against Akpoti-Uduaghan should not be stopped. The order referenced the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act as the legal framework that should be followed in handling such cases.
Following Akpabio’s petition, which raised concerns about the judge’s ability to remain impartial, Justice Egwuatu chose to step down. His decision now leaves the case in the hands of the Chief Judge, who will assign a new judge to oversee the proceedings.
