posted 25th March 2025
Nigerian Judge Steps Down from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Case Amid Bias Allegations
Abuja, Nigeria – 25 March 2025
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn himself from a high-profile legal battle involving suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The judge announced his recusal on Tuesday, citing allegations of bias raised by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a key figure in the case.
The suit, filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, sought to challenge her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate, which was imposed on 6 March 2025 over alleged misconduct. The senator had initially secured an interim injunction from Justice Egwuatu on 4 March, barring the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against her while the case was pending. However, the Senate proceeded with the suspension, prompting Akpoti-Uduaghan to accuse the legislative body of disregarding the court’s order.
The legal tussle took a dramatic turn last week when, on 19 March, Justice Egwuatu reversed his earlier ruling that had nullified the Senate’s actions during the suit. This decision followed a motion by the Senate’s legal team, led by Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN, to set aside the injunction. Despite objections from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa SAN, who described the Senate’s actions as “legislative recklessness,” the judge ruled in favour of the defence, clearing the way for the suspension to stand.
On Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu stepped back from the case entirely, following a petition from Senate President Akpabio questioning his impartiality. The judge did not elaborate on the specifics of the allegations but stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge. This development marks yet another twist in the ongoing saga between the senator and the Senate leadership, which has been marred by accusations of personal vendettas and political manoeuvring.
The row stems from a heated exchange on 20 February between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio during a Senate plenary session over seat reallocation. The senator’s subsequent referral to the Ethics Committee for alleged rule violations sparked her legal challenge. In a further escalation, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged in a 28 February interview with Arise TV that her troubles began after rejecting unwanted advances from Akpabio—a claim that has fuelled public debate but remains unaddressed by the Senate President.
Meanwhile, constituents in Kogi Central have launched a separate effort to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate. On Monday, a petition signed by registered voters was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming a loss of confidence in her representation. This move has added further pressure on the embattled senator, who responded with a defiant poem titled “Natasha’s Rhythm of Victory” on social media.
As the case awaits reassignment, legal and political observers are watching closely to see how the judiciary and Senate navigate this contentious dispute. For now, Justice Egwuatu’s exit leaves the fate of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge—and her political career—hanging in the balance.
