Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was briefly detained by immigration officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday morning while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom
The senator, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, was reportedly stopped and informed that her name had been placed on a watch list—allegedly on the orders of the National Assembly leadership.
A family member familiar with the matter revealed that Akpoti-Uduaghan was traveling with her husband to attend her stepson’s graduation in the UK when she was blocked by immigration officers at the departure terminal. “She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” the source said. “We don’t understand why she was treated this way, especially when there’s no court order restricting her movement and she has never missed any of her court appearances.”
The incident caused a brief stir at the airport and comes amid heightened tensions between the senator and the Senate leadership. Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently challenging her recent suspension from the Senate after she protested a change in her seating position. She has also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he has strongly denied.
The Federal Government has filed two criminal defamation cases against the senator. She, in turn, has accused top-ranking officials in the Senate of leading a coordinated witch-hunt against her. Her allies believe Thursday’s travel disruption may be part of the same political pressure.
Eyewitnesses said the senator protested the travel restriction and was seen making urgent phone calls to top immigration and government officials. After about an hour, she was cleared to board her British Airways flight. “Her passport was eventually stamped and she was allowed to proceed,” one witness confirmed.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Nigeria my country