Justice Egwuatu recuses himself from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's case

Justice Obiora Egwuatu has recused himself from the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan due to allegations of bias from Senate President Akpabio

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a surprising turn of events, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has decided to recuse himself from the ongoing case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central District.

Also read: Court adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case to March 2025

The announcement was made on Tuesday during the regular court proceedings, when Justice Egwuatu informed the court of his decision to withdraw from the matter.

The main reason behind his recusal was the allegation of bias raised by the third defendant in the case, Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to sources, the Senate President had expressed a lack of confidence in the ability of the court to deliver impartial justice, leading to this development.

Justice Egwuatu, while addressing the matter, stated that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.

This move ensures that the case will continue under the oversight of a different judge, maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

The case involves a legal dispute that has attracted significant public attention, given the prominent political figures involved.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a key figure in Kogi state politics, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the alleged bias, while Senate President Akpabio’s involvement in the matter has further intensified the political stakes.