THERE was a brief moment of tension at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday morning, when officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) stopped suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from boarding a flight to London and seized her international passport.
News Point Nigeria reports that incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 24, 2025, reportedly created a stir among international travellers.
Eyewitnesses said Senator Natasha arrived at the airport terminal accompanied by her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, to board a British Airways flight.
However, just before boarding, immigration officers flagged her travel documents and informed her that she had been listed as a “national security risk.”
The move prompted confusion, as the officers reportedly offered no formal explanation for the passport seizure.
Despite the unexpected development, Senator Natasha remained calm and firm, questioning the legality of the action.
“The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport,” she was heard telling the officers.
As tensions escalated, her husband made several urgent phone calls in an effort to resolve the situation.
After several minutes, the officers returned the passport without providing any justification, allowing the lawmaker to proceed through immigration clearance.
She eventually boarded her flight just in time, bringing an end to the brief but dramatic episode.
The incident has sparked speculation about possible political motives, especially given her ongoing suspension from the Senate and recent controversies involving her return to legislative duties.
Travellers and observers at the airport described the situation as an unnecessary embarrassment, criticizing what they perceive as a potential abuse of institutional power.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the Office of the Senate President has issued an official statement regarding the matter.