Immigration Officers Stop Senator Natasha From Travelling, Seize Passport at Airport

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Kogi Central, was reportedly stopped from travelling abroad after immigration officials seized her passport at the airport.

The incident occurred shortly after she marked her second anniversary in the Senate, during which she commissioned several projects across Kogi Central. The lawmaker, who went live on Instagram during the incident, questioned the immigration officers over the alleged seizure of her passport, describing it as a violation of her right to movement.

In the video, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the order to confiscate her passport came from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She claimed that it was not the first time she had been prevented from travelling, recalling a similar situation in the past that was only resolved after the intervention of an influential personality.

According to her, she had not committed any offence, nor was there a court order restricting her movement. She further alleged that Akpabio’s directive stemmed from accusations that she tarnished the country’s image during her international interviews.

The senator also stated that President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to withdraw all court cases filed by the Federal Government against her.

Reports later indicated that the immigration officials eventually released her passport, allowing her to proceed with her travel plans.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously clashed with Senate President Akpabio earlier in the year over the reallocation of seats in the Senate, an issue that led to her suspension for six months starting March 6, 2025. She was reinstated and resumed legislative duties on September 24, 2025.