Earlier, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary measures against Natasha Uduaghan, who was accused of breaching Senate rules. The order directed that the disciplinary proceedings be halted until the court made a final decision on the case.
Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has recused himself from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Egwuatu, who was initially assigned to hear the suit, announced his withdrawal on Tuesday, citing a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio that questioned his impartiality.
Although the matter was scheduled for hearing, the judge, upon its mention in court, declared that he would no longer preside over it. He stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
Earlier, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary measures against Natasha Uduaghan, who was accused of breaching Senate rules. The order directed that the disciplinary proceedings be halted until the court made a final decision on the case.
Additionally, the judge mandated the defendants to provide a response within 72 hours, explaining why the court should not prevent them from taking action against the senator without adhering to constitutional and legislative guidelines, including the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Justice Egwuatu also granted permission for the senator to serve court documents on the defendants through substituted means. The court ordered that the documents be delivered to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasted within the National Assembly premises, and published in two national newspapers.
Despite this order, the Senate Committee proceeded with its disciplinary session and imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Subsequently, upon a request from the defendants, Justice Egwuatu modified his initial ruling by removing the restriction that barred the Senate from taking action while the legal proceedings were ongoing.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by senior lawyer Kehinde Ogunwumiju, challenged the court’s authority to intervene in legislative matters.
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