Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has recused himself from the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central District in the Senate.
At Tuesday’s court session, Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal from the case, citing an allegation of bias from the third defendant, Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate President reportedly expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice on the matter. In response, Justice Egwuatu stated that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.
Justice Egwuatu had previously granted an ex-parte order, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The senator had asked the court to stop the Senate and its ethics committee from continuing with a purported investigation against her.
Her case stems from a dispute over seat arrangements with Senate President Akpabio. She had accused him of sexual harassment and abuse of office. In response, the Senate suspended her for six months for misconduct.
