Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s passport was briefly seized by Nigerian immigration officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, preventing her from boarding a British Airways flight to London
Immigration officials claimed she was a “national security risk” and cited “security orders from above” as justification, without providing further explanation.
Natasha maintained composure but firmly protested, questioning the legal basis for the seizure.
“The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport,” she told the officers.
After a brief delay, her passport was returned without formal explanation, allowing her to board her flight. Her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, made urgent phone calls during the delay.
The incident has sparked concerns over potential abuse of institutional power and political interference, with observers describing the situation as an unnecessary embarrassment.
Neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the office of the Senate President has issued a statement on the matter.