Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was reportedly briefly detained by immigration officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday morning while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, she was informed her name had been placed on a watch list, allegedly at the request of the National Assembly leadership.
A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told PREMIUM TIMES that the senator was traveling with her husband for her stepson’s graduation in the UK when she was stopped at the departure terminal.
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“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” the family member stated, expressing surprise given there was no court order restricting her movement and her consistent court appearances.
The incident caused a brief commotion at the airport and highlights the growing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the National Assembly leadership.
The Senator is currently challenging her recent suspension from the Senate, which occurred after she publicly protested a change in her seating position.
She later accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation Akpabio has strongly denied.
Additionally, the Federal Government has filed two criminal defamation cases against the Kogi senator.
Her associates believe Thursday’s airport incident may be connected to this ongoing political confrontation and perceived witch-hunt.
Witnesses reported that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the travel restriction and made several urgent phone calls to senior immigration and government officials.
After approximately an hour, her passport was stamped, and she was cleared to board her British Airways flight.
When contacted just before takeoff, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES but declined to provide further details.
Her family expressed concern that she might face a similar ordeal upon her return to Nigeria in two weeks.
Immigration authorities have not yet commented on the matter, with their spokesperson stating he would revert once details are obtained.
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