Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Confronts Immigration Over Passport Seizure at Abuja Airport

Abuja — A brief confrontation occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when immigration officers temporarily seized the international passport of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly.

According to The Sun Nigeria, the incident took place in the early hours at the international terminal, as the senator was traveling with her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan. Eyewitnesses reported that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the officers, stating, “The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport.”

Sources at the airport alleged that the order to hold the passport came from the Comptroller General of Immigration, reportedly on instructions from the Senate President. Immigration officials did not provide a formal reason for the action.

Chief Uduaghan was seen making phone calls during the delay, which lasted several minutes. The passport was eventually returned to the senator without explanation, allowing her to proceed through immigration and board her flight.

No official statement has been released by the Nigeria Immigration Service or the Office of the Senate President regarding the incident.