Garba Mohammed
There was drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, early Thursday morning as officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service temporarily seized the passport of suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, moments before she was to board a British Airways flight to London.
Eyewitnesses said Senator Natasha, who arrived at the airport alongside her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, was flagged by immigration officers and labelled a “national security risk.” The incident, which occurred just before boarding, triggered confusion and concern among fellow travellers.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Senator Natasha reportedly remained calm, firmly insisting that the seizure was unlawful.
“The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport,” she was heard saying, challenging the officers’ actions and demanding her immediate release.
Her husband was also seen making urgent phone calls as the situation appeared to escalate. However, in a surprising twist, the passport was returned to the senator without explanation a few minutes later, allowing her to proceed through immigration and catch her flight.
No official reason was given for the seizure, and neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the Office of the Senate President has issued a public statement at the time of this report.
The incident has sparked criticism from observers, with many describing it as an unnecessary embarrassment and a potential abuse of institutional power—especially given the absence of any court order or official travel restriction.
Senator Natasha’s brief detention raises fresh concerns over freedom of movement, alleged political intimidation, and the growing trend of using state institutions for partisan ends.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, with Nigerians eagerly awaiting a formal explanation from the authorities.