Judicial Twist: Judge Withdraws from Senator Natasha’s case

By Baba Dan’Iya

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has withdrawn from the case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Justice Egwuatu, who was initially assigned to hear the matter, announced his decision to step aside on Tuesday.

The judge’s withdrawal comes after Akpabio raised concerns about his impartiality in the case. When the court convened for the hearing, Justice Egwuatu informed the parties that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

The case stems from the Senate’s disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was accused of violating Senate rules. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding against the senator until the matter was resolved.

He also directed the defendants to justify within 72 hours why the court should not restrain them from taking action contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

As part of the order, the senator was permitted to serve court documents on the defendants through substituted means, including delivering them to the Clerk of the National Assembly or publishing them in two national newspapers.

Despite the order, the Senate Committee went ahead with its disciplinary proceedings and suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. Following a request from the defendants, Justice Egwuatu later amended his ruling, removing the restriction on the Senate’s authority to act while the case was ongoing.

Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the judiciary should not interfere in the internal affairs of the Senate.

With Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal, the case now awaits reassignment by the Chief Judge.