Justice Obiora Egwuatu recused himself from Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's lawsuit after the Senate President challenged his objectivity. Despite Egwuatu's order halting disciplinary action, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja recused himself on Tuesday, March 25, from presiding over the lawsuit filed by suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. His decision was based on a petition submitted by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, challenging his objectivity in handling the case.

Initially, the matter was scheduled for a hearing, but when it was called by the court's clerk, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to step down through a brief ruling. He further stated that the case file would be sent back to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

It is worth recalling that on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with the disciplinary action initiated against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator was accused of violating the rules of the legislative house. The judge ruled that the disciplinary process should be suspended pending the outcome of the suit brought before him by the embattled lawmaker.

Additionally, Justice Egwuatu directed the defendants to present reasons within 72 hours why the court should not issue an interlocutory injunction preventing them from investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct without according her the rights and privileges outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

The judge also permitted the plaintiff to serve the Originating Summons and other related court processes on the defendants through substituted means. These included delivering the documents to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasting them on the premises of the National Assembly, and publishing them in two national newspapers.

The interim orders were granted following an ex-parte application and an affidavit of urgency submitted by the senator. However, despite the court's directives, the Senate Committee proceeded with its hearing and imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Subsequently, following a request from the defendants, Justice Egwuatu amended the interim order in favor of the plaintiff. He vacated the part of the order that barred the Senate from engaging in any activity related to the case while the suit was pending.

The Senate President, through his legal team led by Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, questioned the court's authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the Senate.