In a development that has stirred nationwide attention, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has alleged that officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) seized her international passport on the orders of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The incident occurred on November 4, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. In a live broadcast via her verified Facebook page, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed frustration over what she described as an unlawful restriction of her freedom of movement. According to her, she had committed no offence and was unaware of any court order preventing her from travelling.
The senator stated that she was scheduled to embark on a short vacation following the commemoration of her second year in office. However, her plans were abruptly interrupted when immigration officials reportedly withheld her passport, citing “orders from above.”
This is not the first time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has encountered such an ordeal. In July 2025, she was stopped at the same airport while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom. Then, immigration authorities claimed her name appeared on a security watchlist, though she was later cleared to travel.
The recurring nature of these incidents has raised questions about political interference and abuse of institutional power. The senator’s long-standing rift with the Senate leadership, particularly with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, forms a significant backdrop to the controversy. Earlier this year, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment; an allegation he has strongly denied. Her vocal criticism of the Senate leadership and subsequent suspension from parliamentary activities have positioned her as one of the most outspoken and controversial figures in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
In her recent live broadcast, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the directive to seize her passport was issued because she “tarnishes the image of the country whenever she travels abroad to grant interviews to international media.” Such a claim, if proven true, would amount to a violation of fundamental human rights and an abuse of administrative authority.
The seizure of a senator’s passport without a valid court order raises concerns about due process, the independence of public institutions, and the respect for constitutional freedoms. Freedom of movement is a fundamental right enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, and any infringement on it must follow established legal procedures.
Beyond the political and legal implications, the incident also highlights the challenges faced by women in leadership positions within Nigeria’s political space. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s experiences mirror the systemic barriers that often confront female leaders who challenge established power structures. Her situation underscores the broader conversation about gender equity, accountability, and the courage required to speak truth to power in a system that often resists change.
At the time of writing, the Nigerian Immigration Service has not released an official statement regarding the alleged directive or provided clarification on the legal grounds for the senator’s detention at the airport. The silence from relevant authorities only deepens public suspicion and calls for greater transparency.
This development also presents an opportunity for national reflection. For Nigeria’s democratic institutions to thrive, the rule of law must be upheld without exception. The independence of state agencies must be safeguarded from political influence, and citizens; irrespective of status must be assured that their rights will not be arbitrarily violated.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s experience serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between power and accountability in Nigeria’s evolving democracy. It challenges citizens, policymakers, and civil society to demand fairness, uphold constitutional rights, and ensure that no individual, elected or otherwise is above the law.
Ultimately, this issue transcends partisan politics. It is about principle, governance, and the future of leadership in Nigeria. Whether the truth of these allegations is confirmed or refuted, the conversation it has ignited is both necessary and overdue.
