Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This decision follows a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging bias in favor of Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Egwuatu stated that stepping down was necessary to maintain the court’s integrity and public confidence.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged misconduct. She has denied reports of apologizing to the Senate over her suspension, asserting, “I won’t be forced into submission.”
In response to her suspension, a recall petition has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, INEC has identified issues with the petition, noting the absence of contact details.
Justice Egwuatu was assigned to hear the suit, but on Tuesday, he announced that he would no longer handle the matter.
He made this decision after Senate President Godswill Akpabio wrote a petition questioning his impartiality.
Although the case was scheduled for hearing, when the court clerk called it up, the judge ruled that he was stepping aside.
He said he would return the case file to the Chief Judge, who would assign it to another judge.
The case has attracted significant attention, with civil society organizations petitioning the United Nations over sexual assault allegations involving Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Egwuatu’s recusal underscores the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality amid the ongoing political and legal disputes surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
