Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, assigned to hear a suit filed by the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has withdrawn from the case.

At the proceedings on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw from the matter after the usual court appearances.

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

According to him, the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

Justice Egwuatu had earlier granted an ex-parte order, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Egwuatu also gave the defendants 72 hours to show cause why the court should not issue an order of interlocutory injunction to stop them from probing the plaintiff for alleged misconduct without affording her the privileges stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.