Judge Recuses Self From Natasha-Akpabio Case

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja, has withdrawn from handling the case brought by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central District, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Justice Egwuatu made this known during Tuesday’s proceedings.

He said his decision was mostly because of the accusation of bias made by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who is the third defendant in the case.

According to reports, the Senate President had voiced his lack of confidence in the capacity of the court to handle the case fairly.
The case file would be sent back to Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for reassignment to a different judge, Justice Egwuatu stated.

The trial judge had granted an ex-parte order barring the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from pursuing disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

READ ALSO: Natasha Denies Apologising To Senate As Constituents Submit Recall Petition
The Kogi senator had asked the court to grant an order mandating the Senate and the ethics committee to refrain from “proceeding with the purported investigation” against her.

Akpabio and Akpoti-Ugduaghan have been at loggerheads after a heated exchange over seat arrangements in the Senate. The female lawmaker accused Akpabio of abusing his position and engaging in sexual harassment. The Senate subsequently slammed her with a six-month suspension on the ground of “gross misconduct.”