Why Akpabio’s Petition Forced a Judge to Withdraw from Natasha’s Case

Justice Obiora Egwuatu has stepped down from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case after a petition from Senate President Akpabio. With the judiciary’s independence at stake, what does this mean for Nigeria’s legal system? Read more.

Abuja, Nigeria – March 26, 2025 – In a dramatic twist to the legal battle between embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Nigerian Senate, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has officially recused himself from the case. His decision was reportedly triggered by a petition filed by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, questioning the judge’s objectivity in handling the matter.

The case, which was originally set for hearing, took a shocking turn when Justice Egwuatu, in a brief ruling, announced his withdrawal and directed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment. This development has fueled speculations about political interference in judicial proceedings, with concerns mounting over the fairness of Nigeria’s legal system.

It will be recalled that on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The committee had accused her of violating legislative rules, but the court had halted any punitive measures until the case was determined.

As part of his ruling, the judge also ordered the Senate to provide justification within 72 hours as to why it should not be permanently restrained from suspending the senator. He further directed that all defendants in the case, including the Senate leadership, be served through substituted means, including publication in two national newspapers.

However, despite the subsisting court order, the Senate Committee proceeded with its disciplinary process and suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This move was widely criticized as a blatant disregard for judicial authority, sparking debates on whether legislative bodies are above the law.

The Senate President, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kehinde Ogunwumiju, vehemently opposed the court’s involvement in Senate affairs. Akpabio’s petition argued that the judiciary should not interfere in legislative matters, a stance that critics have interpreted as an attempt to undermine due process.

Following pressure from the Senate’s legal team, Justice Egwuatu later revised his interim order, lifting the restriction that barred the Senate from continuing its legislative activities related to the case. However, the senator’s suspension remained in force, raising further questions on whether the judiciary has been strong-armed into submission by political powerhouses.

With Justice Egwuatu stepping aside, the fate of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case now hangs in the balance. The reassignmehttps://youtu.be/mPxxwc0iZNwnt of the case to a new judge will determine whether the senator gets a fair hearing or if the legislative body’s suspension order stands unchallenged. Analysts fear that this development sets a dangerous precedent where powerful political figures can influence judicial decisions through petitions and pressure tactics.

As Nigerians await the next legal proceedings, the controversy surrounding this case underscores the growing concerns about the independence of the judiciary in the face of political interference.