A brief but intense standoff occurred on Thursday, July 24, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted immigration officials attempting to seize her passport.
The incident unfolded as the Kogi Central Senator and her husband were preparing to board a British Airways flight to the UK for her stepson’s graduation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly informed the officers that they lacked the legal authority to confiscate her passport without a court order.
She was initially told she couldn’t travel because her name was on a watch list, allegedly at the request of the National Assembly leadership, labeling her a “national security risk.”
Witnesses observed the Senator vehemently protesting the travel restriction and making several urgent phone calls to high-ranking immigration and government officials.
After nearly an hour, the issue was resolved, and she was cleared to board her flight.
Just before her flight’s departure, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed to reporters that the incident but declined to elaborate, saying, “The aircraft is about to take off.”
As of the time of this report, immigration authorities have yet to comment on the matter as spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi indicated he would provide an update once more details become available.
Persecondnews reports that the brief airport drama is set against the backdrop of escalating tensions between her and the National Assembly leadership.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is contesting the Senate’s decision to suspend her from her position, following her vocal objections to being relocated from her original seat.
She later accused the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment, an allegation Mr Akpabio has fiercely denied.
The Federal Government has also filed two criminal defamation cases against the Kogi senator.
She has alleged that senior figures within the Senate are orchestrating a witch-hunt against her.
Her associates speculate that the incident at the airport may be linked to the ongoing political tensions between her and the Senate leadership.
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