Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has removed himself from a case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central District.

During the court session on Tuesday, March 25, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision, explaining that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had accused him of bias. Due to this allegation, the judge felt it was best to step away from the case.

Reports suggest that Akpabio expressed doubts about the court’s ability to handle the matter fairly, leading to Justice Egwuatu’s decision. He also stated that the case file would be sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.

Previously, Justice Egwuatu had issued an order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. She had asked the court to prevent the Senate and the committee from continuing their investigation against her.

Now that Justice Egwuatu has stepped down, a new judge will take over the case.