Judge steps down from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case

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

At the proceedings on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw from the matter after the usual court appearances.

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

Justice Egwuatu further added that the case file will be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.

Justice Egwuatu had earlier granted an ex-parte order, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had prayed that the court grant an order restraining the Senate and the ethics committee from “proceeding with the purported investigation” against her.