Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, faced an unexpected and tense incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 24, 2025, when Nigerian immigration officers briefly seized her international passport. The seizure occurred just as she was preparing to board a British Airways flight bound for London.
Eyewitnesses report that immigration officials flagged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “national security risk,” citing undisclosed “security orders” as the basis for detaining her passport. Despite the serious nature of the claim, no formal court order or documented explanation was presented by the officers at the scene.
Throughout the ordeal, the senator maintained a composed demeanor and challenged the immigration officials on their authority. She was overheard firmly stating, “The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport,” insisting that she be allowed to proceed with her travel plans.
Meanwhile, her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, was seen making a series of urgent phone calls, presumably seeking intervention to resolve the issue. Within minutes, the passport was returned to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without any official justification, enabling her to swiftly complete immigration processing and board her flight on time.
The brief seizure has raised concerns regarding potential political intimidation or misuse of security protocols against public officials. Observers have expressed unease about the criteria used to label citizens as security risks without transparent due process.
As of this report, neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor relevant government offices have issued official statements addressing the incident. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s calm and assertive response in the face of the situation underscores ongoing sensitivities surrounding the treatment of political figures and the balance between national security and individual rights.
This incident highlights the need for clear guidelines and accountability in security operations to prevent unwarranted disruptions, especially involving elected representatives exercising their rights to international travel.
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