NIGERIA: Judge Withdraws From Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Case Amid Allegations Of Bias

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The legal battle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio took a new twist on Tuesday, as the presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, recused himself from the case.

The judge announced his withdrawal during the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court, citing allegations of bias leveled against him.

However, he did not disclose the source of the accusations.

Justice Egwuatu had previously ordered all parties to file and exchange legal documents ahead of the scheduled hearing on March 25, 2025, a move that was expected to expedite proceedings.

However, rather than proceeding with the motions, the judge informed the court that he would be forwarding the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has scheduled April 7, 2025, to hear Senator Akpabio’s interlocutory appeal challenging Justice Egwuatu’s ruling from March 10.

Akpabio is seeking a stay of proceedings at the Federal High Court until the appellate court decides on his appeal.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has criticized the move, arguing that it is a deliberate attempt to stall the case.

With the judge’s withdrawal and the pending appeal, the case is now in limbo, leaving its resolution uncertain as both parties brace for further legal battles.