Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has recused himself from the case filed by the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti, against the Senate President.
At the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu, after taking the appearance of counsel in the matter, announced his decision to withdraw from the case.
The presiding judge cited an allegation of bias from the 3rd defendant, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the primary reason for his decision.
It was gathered that the Senate President had expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice on the matter, prompting the judge’s withdrawal.
Justice Egwuatu stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.
Recall that at the last court session, counsel for the first, second, and third defendants informed the court that they had not been served with the necessary legal documents.
In response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), insisted that all parties had been served, presenting affidavits of service as proof.
After reviewing the affidavits, Justice Egwuatu confirmed that all defendants had indeed been served. Following this, counsel for the third defendant—Senate President Godswill Akpabio—Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), requested an adjournment to allow for the harmonization of all legal processes.
Other defense counsels supported the request, arguing that it would enable an expedited hearing when the case resumes.
Granting the request, Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter to Tuesday, March 25, 2025, directing that all relevant legal documents be properly served before the adjourned date.
