Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Alleges Akpabio Ordered Seizure of Her Passport

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has alleged that officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service briefly stopped her from travelling abroad on Tuesday after seizing her international passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a Facebook live video obtained on Tuesday, the lawmaker was seen questioning immigration officers over the action, describing it as an unlawful restriction of her movement and a violation of her fundamental rights.

She recounted a similar experience in the past, saying she was once prevented from leaving the country despite having no legal case or court order against her.

“Hello, fellow Nigerians. I’m Senator Natasha. Having completed my second year in office, I decided to take a week off. I’m at the airport, and my passport has been withheld again,” she said in the live video.

According to her, the officer in charge told her that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had ordered the seizure of her passport, claiming she damages the country’s image abroad through her media interviews.

Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the alleged action as harassment and intimidation, calling for intervention from relevant authorities to end what she described as repeated embarrassment. She later confirmed that her passport was returned and she was allowed to proceed with her trip.

When contacted, the Immigration Service’s Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, dismissed the claims, insisting that the incident was merely a routine security check that “didn’t even take long.” He also denied any connection between the exercise and the Senate President, saying, “Of course not. What concerns immigration exercise with National Assembly matters?”

Efforts to reach Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

This incident comes months after Natasha’s suspension from the Senate on March 6, 2025, following a heated clash with the leadership over the alleged reallocation of her seat. She had accused Akpabio of running the Senate with a “dictatorial hand,” a claim he strongly denied.

Though her suspension ended in September, she only regained access to her office two weeks ago after a prolonged standoff. Since her return, the senator has resumed legislative duties, including sponsoring the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill 2025.

The latest airport confrontation, now downplayed by immigration officials, has reignited public debate about her strained relationship with the Senate leadership. Political observers say her return to full parliamentary participation may continue to attract attention in the coming weeks.