Federal High Court Judge Recuses Himself from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Case Against Godswill Akpabio

Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan (L), Godswill Akpabio, (R)

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has recused himself from the case filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. The trial judge cited a petition submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, challenging his objectivity in the matter.

Though the case was originally scheduled for a hearing, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw in a brief ruling when the matter was called by the court’s clerk. He stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

Previously, 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 Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The disciplinary process was to be halted pending the determination of the lawsuit filed by the senator. The judge had also granted the defendants 72 hours to present arguments against the issuance of an interlocutory injunction that would bar them from investigating the senator for alleged misconduct without affording her the rights stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja

Additionally, Justice Egwuatu authorized the senator to serve the Originating Summons and related documents to the defendants via substituted means. The documents were to be delivered to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasted on the premises of the National Assembly, or published in two national dailies. This order followed an ex-parte application and an affidavit of urgency filed by the lawmaker.

Despite the court orders, the Senate Committee proceeded with its sitting and imposed a six-month suspension on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Following an application from the defendants, Justice Egwuatu later modified his interim order, removing the restriction that barred the Senate from proceeding with its activities during the pendency of the suit.

Senate President Akpabio, through his legal team led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), challenged the court’s authority to intervene in Senate affairs. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports suggesting she had apologized to the Senate over the controversy leading to her suspension. She described the claims as false and misleading, reaffirming her commitment to her principles and the defense of her constituents' rights.