Nigeria News Nalin Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court of Abuja withdraws the lawsuit filed by Senator Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan, the report said.
His decision was based on Senate President Gosville Akpabiohe raised concerns about the judge’s objectivity.
The case was scheduled for Tuesday, when Justice Egwatu announced his decision in a brief ruling. He explained that the case documents will be returned to the Chief Justice for reallocation to another judge.
This development follows a series of legal proceedings against Senator Akputi-Udoahan.
On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order to cease disciplinary action against senators by the Senate Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee, who were accused of violating legislative rules.
The Senate committee continued the lawsuit, which subsequently imposed a six-month moratorium on Akpoti-uduaghan, despite the court’s interim order temporarily halting any disciplinary action. The move led to further legal challenges.
In response to Senate action, Justice Egwuatu gave the defendant 72 hours earlier to show why an intermediate injunction should not be granted to prevent investigation.
The injunction will cease any investigation into misconduct alleged by the Senate until the case is determined to be a violation of constitutional rights, Senate rules and legislative privileges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised questions about the court’s power to interfere in the Senate’s internal affairs through his lawyer team, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju. This challenge adds a layer of complexity to the case, leading to the retreat of the Igwatu judicial system.
Now, the matter is awaiting a redistribution of another judge as the legal struggle continues to disciplinary measures taken against Senator Akputi-Udoahan.
