A brief but alarming incident unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, July 24, when immigration officials briefly seized the international passport of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, sparking concerns over political interference in the use of security agencies.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the airport alongside her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, to board a British Airways flight to London. However, she was stopped by Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officers who claimed she had been flagged as a “national security risk.”
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, just before boarding began for the London-bound flight. Witnesses said Senator Natasha remained composed throughout the ordeal, firmly asserting her rights. “The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport,” she reportedly told the officers.
Sources at the airport disclosed that the order to hold her travel documents came directly from the Comptroller General of Immigration, allegedly on instructions from the Senate President. No official reason was given at the time.
Chief Uduaghan was seen making several urgent phone calls as the delay persisted. Eventually, the passport was returned without explanation, allowing the senator to pass through immigration and board her flight just in time.
The incident has triggered widespread concern, with many viewing it as a misuse of institutional power for political motives. Some civil society observers have described the episode as “an unnecessary embarrassment” and a possible abuse of authority.
Neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the Senate President’s office has issued an official statement on the matter as of press time.
