Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from presiding over the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others. The suit seeks to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu announced his recusal, citing a petition from Senate President Akpabio that questioned his impartiality in the matter. He stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge. 
This development adds complexity to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenge, which aims to address the six-month suspension imposed on her by the Senate. Previously, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order halting the Senate Committee’s disciplinary proceedings against her. 
The recusal underscores the tensions and procedural challenges within the legislative and judicial processes, highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in this high-profile case.
