We Didn’t Seize Senator Natasha’s Passport, It was Routine Screening, Replies Immigration

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has denied claims by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that her international passport was seized at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, had alleged that she was unlawfully prevented from travelling and accused the agency of acting on political orders.

In a social media post that quickly went viral, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her passport was withheld despite there being no legal or judicial restriction on her movement.

She further alleged that the action was politically motivated and linked to Senate leadership, claiming that it was designed to prevent her from attending an engagement abroad.

“My passport has been withheld again,” she lamented. “I have committed no offence and there is no court order stopping me from travelling.”

Responding to the allegations, the NIS denied any wrongdoing, stating that the senator was only subjected to routine airport clearance for politically exposed persons (PEPs).

A senior immigration officer, speaking to Newsmen, insisted that there was no directive to seize her passport and that the process was standard procedure.

“There was no seizure of her passport. The senator was cleared for travel after the routine verification,” the official said.

Reports indicate that the passport was later returned, allowing the lawmaker to proceed with her trip. The NIS maintained that the process was in line with standard security checks and not politically motivated.

However, the incident has drawn widespread attention, with many Nigerians questioning whether the senator’s treatment reflects deeper political tensions within the National Assembly.

Human rights advocates have also raised concerns over the use of security agencies in political disputes, calling for greater transparency in the handling of travel restrictions involving public officials.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been vocal in recent months over issues of governance and legislative accountability. Her confrontation with the NIS adds another layer to the ongoing friction between some lawmakers and the leadership of the Senate.

As of press time, neither the Senate President’s office nor the Ministry of Interior had issued an official statement on the matter.

The NIS reiterated that its officers acted professionally and that no citizen’s rights were violated during the airport screening.