Akpabio: Judge withdraws from Senator Natasha’s case

News Update

A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has withdrawn from a legal case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central District.

The judge made his decision known during a court session on Tuesday.

His withdrawal followed an allegation of bias levelled against him by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who is one of the defendants in the case.

The Senate President reportedly expressed doubts about the court’s fairness in handling the matter, leading to Justice Egwuatu’s decision to step aside.

Following his withdrawal, he announced that the case file would be sent back to Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, so that it could be reassigned to another judge.

The legal dispute began after Justice Egwuatu granted a temporary order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She had asked the court to stop the committee from continuing its probe into allegations against her.

The senator’s problems with the Senate started after a disagreement with Senate President Akpabio over seat arrangements.

She accused him of sexual harassment and misuse of power.

The Senate later suspended her for six months, citing misconduct.

The case is now expected to be handled by a new judge after Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal.