Akpabio Instructed Airport Officials to Seize My Passport Again, Preventing Me from Travelling—Senator Natasha Cries Out

In a dramatic turn of events, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has accused the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, of allegedly ordering airport security officials to seize her international passport and stop her from travelling out of Nigeria. The outspoken senator, who made the revelation on Tuesday, described the act as an unlawful abuse of power and a clear attempt to intimidate her for speaking truth to authority.

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According to Senator Natasha, she was on her way to board an international flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja when officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) stopped her and demanded her travel documents. She said that after identifying herself, she was informed that there was an “order from above” not to allow her to travel.

“This is the second time my passport is being seized at the airport without any valid reason. The officials told me it was an order from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. I was embarrassed, delayed, and humiliated before other passengers. This is pure victimization,” the senator said in a statement shared with journalists.

The development comes amid rising tensions between some lawmakers in the Senate and the leadership under Akpabio. Natasha, known for her fearless activism and commitment to transparency, has been vocal about alleged corruption, favoritism, and mismanagement within the National Assembly.

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Senator Natasha further accused Akpabio of using his office to suppress dissenting voices in the Senate. She claimed that her ordeal was politically motivated, describing it as a calculated attempt to silence her and others who have refused to conform to the current leadership’s style of governance.

“I am a duly elected senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have the right to travel for personal or official engagements. For the Senate President to interfere with my movement and direct airport officials to seize my passport is an abuse of office and a violation of my fundamental human rights,” she lamented.

She vowed not to be intimidated, stating that no amount of harassment would stop her from standing up for truth and justice. Natasha also disclosed that her lawyers are taking legal steps to challenge the unconstitutional action in court.

“We will pursue this case legally. No one is above the law, not even the Senate President. This country must not slide into dictatorship under the guise of political leadership,” she added.

Background of the Feud

Observers say this is not the first time Senator Natasha has clashed with Akpabio. Earlier in 2024, she had accused the Senate leadership of marginalizing female lawmakers and excluding her from key committees. She also questioned certain financial decisions made by the National Assembly leadership, calling for transparency in budget allocations and constituency project management.

Her fearless stance has reportedly unsettled some top-ranking senators who view her as a “thorn in the flesh.” Political analysts believe her latest confrontation is part of a growing internal crisis within the Senate.

Senate Leadership Denies Allegation

Meanwhile, the Office of the Senate President has denied any involvement in the incident. A statement issued by Akpabio’s media aide dismissed Natasha’s claim as “baseless and politically motivated.”

“The Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, has no power to order the seizure of anyone’s passport. The Nigerian Immigration Service operates independently and is guided by law. Senator Natasha’s allegations are nothing but an attempt to drag the office of the Senate President into unnecessary controversy,” the statement read.

The aide further urged the public to disregard the senator’s claims, insisting that Akpabio remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of the Senate.

Civil Rights Groups React

The alleged incident has sparked outrage among civil rights organizations and advocacy groups who described it as an assault on democracy. The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability (CHRA) condemned the act, calling for a full investigation.

“If this allegation is true, it represents a serious violation of constitutional rights. No elected official should be above the law or use state apparatus to punish opponents. We urge the Immigration Service to come clean and explain under whose instruction the senator’s passport was seized,” CHRA Director, Barr. Efe Thompson, stated.

Similarly, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) expressed solidarity with Senator Natasha, noting that women in leadership positions often face targeted intimidation.

“Senator Natasha’s courage is commendable. What she is going through is a reflection of how women are treated when they challenge entrenched power structures. We call on the National Assembly and the presidency to intervene immediately,” the group said in a press release.

Calls for Accountability

As the controversy deepens, many Nigerians have taken to social media to express anger and disbelief, demanding accountability from both the Senate leadership and the Nigerian Immigration Service. Hashtags such as #JusticeForNatasha and #StopPoliticalHarassment have begun trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Legal experts say that if proven, the act could amount to a violation of the senator’s constitutional right to freedom of movement, as guaranteed under Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

For now, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains grounded in Abuja, awaiting the return of her seized passport. But she insists she will not back down.

“They may try to clip my wings, but they can’t silence my voice. I represent my people, not their fear,” she declared.

As Nigerians await an official explanation, this incident has once again exposed the growing tension within the National Assembly and the fragile balance of power among its members.