National
Justice Egwuatu Steps Down From Natasha’s Case After Akpabio’s Petition
By Benjamin Abioye
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from presiding over the case involving suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
His decision follows a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who questioned the judge’s impartiality.
The case, which was set for hearing on Tuesday, took an unexpected turn when Justice Egwuatu announced in a brief ruling that he would no longer handle the matter. He stated that the case file would be sent back to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
This latest development is part of the ongoing legal battle surrounding the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Earlier, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her. The senator was accused of violating legislative rules.
Despite the court’s temporary order, the Senate Committee went ahead with its proceedings and eventually imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan. This led her to seek further legal intervention.
Justice Egwuatu had previously directed the defendants to justify within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to halt the disciplinary probe. The injunction aimed to prevent any further actions against the senator until the court reached a final decision, citing possible breaches of constitutional rights and legislative procedures.
In response, Senate President Akpabio, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kehinde Ogunwumiju, questioned the court’s jurisdiction over Senate affairs. This challenge contributed to Justice Egwuatu’s decision to step aside from the case.
With the judge recusing himself, the case now awaits reassignment to a new judge as the legal dispute over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension continues.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG
