Justice Egwuatu recuse self from Sen. Natasha’s case

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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 Uduaghan.

Senator Natasha has approached the court, seeking an Order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges of the Senate from investigating her.

At the last sitting, Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter to enable all the relevant processes be served on parties before the adjourned date(March 25).

However, at the resumed hearing of the matter, Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu, after taking the appearance of Counsels in the matter, announced his decision to withdraw from the matter.

The judge cited allegation of bias from the third defendant in the case, the Senate President, Senator Godswilll Akpabio, as the major reason for his decision.

It was gathered that the Senate President had expressed lack of confidence in the ability of the court to do justice on the matter, prompting the presiding judge to recused himself.

Meanwhile, Justice Egwuatu said the case file will be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another Judge.

Recall that the court granted the order restricting the lawmakers from embarking on the investigation pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

But, the Senate, however, went ahead and suspended the Senator for six months after it considered the report of the committee.