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Judge Recuses Himself from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suit After Senate President’s Petition
The decision, announced on Tuesday, follows a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging the judge’s objectivity in the case.
Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has recused himself from hearing a suit filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, follows a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging the judge’s objectivity in the case.
Justice Egwuatu had previously issued an interim order halting the Senate’s disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
However, despite the order, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions proceeded with the hearing and suspended the senator for six months.
In a brief ruling, Justice Egwuatu said the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
His earlier ruling had restrained the Senate from acting against Akpoti-Uduaghan until the court determined the legality of the proceedings.
The Senate President’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, had questioned the court’s jurisdiction in interfering with Senate affairs.
The case now awaits reassignment to a new judge.
