The judge hearing the case between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has withdrawn.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu announced at Tuesday’s resumed hearing that he was stepping down due to reports of bias leveled against him. He did not mention the specific quarters where the allegations emanated from.
The judge had on the last hearing on March 10, 2025 directed all parties to file, serve and exchange all the processes in the case for hearing on Tuesday March 25, 2025 of all the motions, which would have cleared the path for a quick judicial resolution of the matter.
But, when the case was called up on Tuesday, the judge informed the lawyers representing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Godswill Akpabio that he will be transmitting the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment
Also on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal has fixed April 7, 2025 for hearing of Senator Akpabio’s interlocutory appeal against the March 10, 2025 ruling of Justice Egwuatu.
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Akpabio is seeking a stay of proceedings at the Federal High Court until the Court of Appeal decides his appeal, a move Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has said is an attempt to delay the case.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
