Justice Egwuatu Steps Down from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Case
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
During Tuesday’s court session, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to step aside, citing allegations of bias raised by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, one of the defendants in the case.
Reports indicate that Akpabio questioned the court’s impartiality, expressing doubts about its ability to deliver a fair judgment.
As a result, Justice Egwuatu stated that the case file would be returned to Chief Judge John Tsoho for reassignment to another judge.
Previously, the judge had issued an ex-parte order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
She had asked the court to halt the Senate’s investigation into her, following a dispute over seat arrangements with Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of misconduct, including sexual harassment and abuse of power. In response, the Senate suspended her for six months, citing misconduct.
