Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s international passport was briefly seized by Nigerian immigration officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on July 24, 2025. The senator, representing Kogi Central, was stopped by immigration officials who flagged her as a “national security risk” just before boarding a British Airways flight to London.

According to eyewitnesses, Senator Natasha remained calm and composed throughout the ordeal, insisting that the officers had no legal authority to seize her passport. “The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport,” she was overheard telling the officers.

The directive to hold her travel documents was allegedly issued by the Comptroller General of Immigration, acting on the instructions of the Senate President. However, no official explanation was provided to the senator at the time of the seizure, fueling suspicions of political interference.

After nearly an hour, Senator Natasha’s passport was returned without any formal explanation, allowing her to proceed through immigration and board her flight. The incident has sparked concerns over the use of security agencies for political purposes, with observers describing the situation as an unnecessary embarrassment and potential abuse of institutional power.

Background to the Incident

The seizure of Senator Natasha’s passport comes amid growing tensions between her and the National Assembly leadership. She has been embroiled in a controversy with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment. The senator is also facing two criminal defamation cases filed by the Federal Government.

Reactions

The incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the motives behind the seizure of Senator Natasha’s passport. Her party, the PDP, has remained silent on the matter, sparking criticism from some quarters. The silence has been interpreted as complicity, with some observers wondering why the party leadership has not issued a statement in support of its senators.