Why Judge Withdrew From Senator Natasha’s Case
Justice Egwuatu Withdraws From Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suit Against Akpabio, Citing Personal Reasons
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the legal case filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others.
The withdrawal was announced in court on [Insert Date, or state ‘on Monday’ or ‘recently’ if the exact date is not specified in your source material], with the judge citing personal reasons that he said made it impossible for him to continue presiding over the matter.
Justice Egwuatu stated that due to these personal circumstances, he would be unable to handle the case challenging the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Following the judge’s decision, the case file is expected to be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, had filed the suit to contest her recent suspension by the Senate. The defendants in the suit include the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and potentially other principal officers or organs of the National Assembly involved in her suspension.
The abrupt withdrawal means the legal battle challenging the suspension of the lawmaker will now experience a delay as the case awaits assignment to a new judge who will hear the matter afresh.
No specific details regarding the nature of the personal reasons cited by Justice Egwuatu were publicly disclosed during the court session.
Tolu Adebayo
Reporter/ Social Media Manager