In a dramatic incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigerian immigration officers temporarily confiscated the international passport of Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan during the early hours of Wednesday, July 24, 2025.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, arrived at the airport with her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, in preparation for a British Airways flight to London. However, just prior to boarding, immigration officials intervened, labeling her a “national security risk,” as reported by eyewitnesses.
Despite the unexpected disruption, Senator Natasha maintained her composure and assertiveness, contesting the officers’ authority to take her passport without justifiable legal grounds. “The court never authorized this. You have no right to hold my passport,” she stated to the officers, remaining poised amid the unfolding tension.
Sources within the airport indicated that the directive to seize her travel documents originated from the Controller General of Immigration, reportedly acting on instructions from the Senate President’s office. No official rationale was provided to the senator at the time, leading to speculation that the incident may have been politically motivated.
Chief Uduaghan appeared visibly distressed, making urgent phone calls as the situation unfolded. The standoff continued for several minutes before the passport was returned quietly, still without any explanation, allowing the senator to finalize her immigration procedures and board her flight just in time.
This incident has sparked concern among political and civil society groups, with many criticizing the increasing use of security agencies for perceived political intimidation. While neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the Senate President’s office has released an official statement, the event has reignited discussions on the potential misuse of institutional power within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
