Judge Withdraws From Natasha’s Case Over Allegation Of Bias

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has recused himself from the case filed by the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

During yesterday’s proceedings, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw after counsel in the matter announced their appearance.

The presiding judge cited the allegation of bias from the third defendant in the case, the Senate President, Senator Godswilll Akpabio, as the major reason for his decision.

The Senate President had expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s ability to do justice in the matter, hence the development.

Justice Egwuatu said the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another Judge.

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Justice Egwuatu had previously issued an interim order on 4 March, halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly violating Senate rules.

The judge gave the restraining injunction before the disciplinary process reached a decision.
The judge ordered the Senate committee to suspend the disciplinary process until the substantive suit was determined.

Furthermore, he gave the defendants 72 hours to show cause why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to stop the Senate from probing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan without affording her due process, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, the Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

Mr Egwuatu also permitted substituted service of court processes on the defendants.

He ordered that court documents be delivered to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasted within the National Assembly premises, and published in two national newspapers.

His 4 March rulings were based on an ex parte application and an affidavit of urgency filed by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan