Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from a case filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. His decision came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised concerns about the judge’s impartiality. Although the hearing was scheduled, Justice Egwuatu announced his ruling to return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge. Previously, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order halting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly violating legislative rules.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled to temporarily suspend the disciplinary process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until her suit is resolved. He granted the defendants 72 hours to provide reasons why they should not be prohibited from investigating the senator for alleged misconduct without following the constitutional and legislative procedures. The judge allowed Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve legal documents to the defendants through alternative methods, such as delivering them to the National Assembly Clerk or posting them at the National Assembly premises, with publication in two national newspapers.
These interim orders were issued following an urgent ex-parte application from the senator. However, despite the court’s ruling, the Senate Committee proceeded with its session and imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan.
After the defendants submitted an application, Justice Egwuatu amended the interim order he had previously granted to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He lifted the restriction that prevented the Senate from conducting any activities while the case was pending. This adjustment followed a challenge from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his legal team, led by Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who questioned the court’s authority to intervene in Senate matters.