Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the case involving suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. His decision came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio submitted a petition questioning his impartiality.
The case was scheduled for hearing on Tuesday. However, when it was called up in court, Justice Egwuatu announced that he would no longer continue. He said the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
Dispute began after Senate moved to punish the senator
The case began after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee had accused her of breaching Senate rules and planned to take disciplinary action against her.
In response, she filed an urgent application before the Federal High Court. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu granted an interim order stopping the Senate from proceeding with the disciplinary process. He ruled that no action should be taken until the case was fully decided.
He also ordered the Senate and other defendants to appear in court within 72 hours. They were to explain why the court should not permanently stop the investigation. The judge emphasized that any disciplinary action must follow the Nigerian Constitution, the Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Court allowed alternative service of legal documents
Since serving the Senate directly proved difficult, Justice Egwuatu allowed substituted service. He ordered the senator’s legal team to deliver the documents to the Clerk of the National Assembly. He also permitted them to paste the documents within the National Assembly premises and publish them in two national newspapers.
Senate defied court and suspended the senator
Despite the court’s order, the Senate went ahead with the disciplinary hearing. The committee eventually suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This action directly violated the interim ruling, causing public concern over the Senate’s disregard for the court.
Following the Senate’s decision, the defendants returned to court. They asked the judge to amend his initial ruling. Justice Egwuatu later adjusted the order, removing the part that stopped the Senate from acting during the case.
Akpabio’s lawyers say court cannot interfere
Akpabio’s legal team, led by senior lawyer Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the judiciary has no right to interfere in internal Senate matters. They claimed the Senate acted within its constitutional powers and that the court lacked jurisdiction over legislative affairs.
Their argument rests on the principle of separation of powers. According to them, the Senate has the right to discipline its members without external interference, as long as it follows due process.
Judge’s withdrawal raises concerns
Justice Egwuatu’s decision to step aside has added new tension to the already heated case. Critics fear that powerful individuals are putting pressure on the judiciary. Others worry that this move may delay justice and weaken public trust in the courts.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is now expected to assign the case to a new judge. Until then, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, and the legal battle continues.
This case has sparked national debate about fairness, accountability, and the rule of law. It also raises deeper questions about how far political influence can go in Nigeria’s legal system.
