Political Siege: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Accuses Senate President Akpabio of Ordering Passport Seizure at Airport

Introduction: An Unlawful Restriction of Movement?
The already tense political feud between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) and the Senate leadership has escalated dramatically. The lawmaker has publicly alleged that her international passport was seized by Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officials at the airport, and she directly pointed the finger at Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the mastermind.

In a candid video shared with the public, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the action as an “unlawful restriction” of her movement and a gross violation of her fundamental human rights, deepening the political crisis surrounding her tenure.

The Dramatic Allegation: Seizure and Stated Reason
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was reportedly attempting to travel abroad for a week’s break after completing her second year in office when the dramatic incident unfolded at the airport departure terminal.

She recounted the shocking reason she was given for the passport confiscation:

The Accused: The lawmaker explicitly named Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Order: She claimed an official on the ground informed her that Akpabio had instructed them to withhold her passport and prevent her travel.

The Justification: The officer allegedly cited that each time the Senator travels abroad, she “spoils the image of the country” by granting interviews to international media.

This powerful claim centers the narrative on Senator Natasha Passport Seized Akpabio, suggesting an abuse of power aimed at silencing political dissent.

A Pattern of Harassment and Intimidation
This is not the first time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced hurdles in her political life. She noted in her video that this latest incident is a repeat of previous attempts to bar her from travel, despite having committed no offense and having no court order restricting her movement.

The travel restriction is seen by her and her associates as the latest tactic in an ongoing political confrontation that includes:

Previous Airport Stops: She was reportedly stopped and placed on a “watch list” previously while attempting to travel, also allegedly at the request of the National Assembly leadership.

Senate Suspension: The Senator was suspended from the Senate earlier this year, a decision she successfully challenged in court.

Sexual Harassment Allegation: She previously accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, an allegation he has vehemently denied, leading to a coordinated political and legal pushback against her.

Conclusion: Senator Natasha Passport Seized Akpabio
The alleged confiscation of a sitting Senator’s passport, ostensibly for “spoiling the image of the country,” is an explosive development that raises serious questions about democratic freedoms and the weaponization of state agencies for political vendetta. As of press time, neither the Nigerian Immigration Service nor the office of the Senate President has issued an official response to the Senator’s grave allegations. The public awaits a clarification or defense from the accused, as the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Passport Seized Akpabio continues to dominate the political discourse.

Do you believe the National Assembly leadership has the authority to issue a travel restriction on a sitting Senator without a court order? Share your opinion below.