Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Briefly Detained at Abuja Airport

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was temporarily blocked from traveling at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday morning, sparking concerns amid her ongoing conflict with the leadership of the National Assembly. The senator, who represents Kogi Central, was reportedly attempting to board a British Airways flight to the United Kingdom with her husband when immigration officers stopped her at the departure terminal.

According to a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity, officials informed the senator that her name had been placed on a watch list at the request of the National Assembly leadership, who allegedly described her as a flight risk. The senator was traveling to attend her stepson’s graduation in the UK and had not previously been under any court-imposed travel restriction. “She has never missed any of her court appearances,” the family source noted, questioning the basis of the airport action.

The disruption caused a brief stir at the terminal, with witnesses reporting that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was visibly distressed and made multiple urgent calls to senior immigration and government officials. After nearly an hour of delay, her passport was stamped and she was permitted to board the flight.

The incident follows a series of escalating tensions between Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership. She is currently challenging her suspension from the Senate, which followed her protest over the relocation of her seat during a plenary session. In the wake of the suspension, she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he has denied.

In addition to her suspension, the senator is facing two criminal defamation charges filed by the Federal Government. She has described the actions against her as part of a broader political witch-hunt, and her associates believe Thursday’s airport incident is connected to that campaign.

When contacted just before her flight departed, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed the incident but declined to provide further comment. “The aircraft is about to take off,” she said. Her family expressed concern that she may face similar treatment upon her return to Nigeria in two weeks.

Immigration officials have not yet issued a statement. The spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, said he was awaiting details before making a comment.