Immigration Seizes Senator Natasha’s Passport at Abuja Airport, Cites “Security Orders”
Nigerian immigration officials briefly seized the international passport of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident unfolded as the Senator, accompanied by her husband Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, was preparing to board a British Airways flight to London.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the Kogi Central senator was flagged as a “national security risk” without prior notice or explanation. She was reportedly calm during the ordeal, firmly stating that no court order existed to justify the confiscation of her passport. “You have no right to hold my passport,” she told the officers.
Insiders at the airport allege the directive came from the Controller General of Immigration, reportedly under instruction from the Senate President—though no official communication was given. After a delay and several phone calls by Chief Uduaghan, Senator Natasha’s passport was eventually returned, and she boarded her flight.
The move has raised fresh questions about the possible politicization of state institutions and the use of security agencies for partisan objectives. No statement has yet been released by either the Nigeria Immigration Service or the Senate President’s office, intensifying public concern over transparency and rule of law.
Key Points:
Date of Incident: July 24, 2025
Location: Abuja Airport
Affected Person: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Reason Cited: “Security orders” – no court mandate produced
Resolution: Passport returned, travel allowed
Ongoing Reactions: Political interference, institutional overreach concerns.
