Justice Egwuatu Recuses Himself: Senator Natasha's Case Takes a Surprise Turn

 

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has officially withdrawn from the case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central District in the Senate.

During the court session on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Justice Egwuatu announced his recusal, citing an allegation of bias from the third defendant, Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Reports indicate that Senate President Akpabio expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s ability to deliver a fair judgment, prompting the judge’s decision to step down.

Justice Egwuatu stated that the case file would be forwarded to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.

The legal dispute began after Justice Egwuatu issued an ex-parte order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The senator had approached the court seeking an injunction to prevent the Senate and its ethics committee from conducting investigations against her.