Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has publicly challenged officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) after her international passport was reportedly seized at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while she was travelling abroad
Immigration officials told her she had been flagged due to “national security risk” and that her travel documents would be withheld.
During the confrontation, the senator was heard stating:
“The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport.”
Political observers say the incident comes amid intensifying tension between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the leadership of the Senate of Nigeria, including her suspension earlier in the year and allegations she lodged against the Senate President.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident.
