Senator Natasha Briefly Detained at Abuja Airport, Later Cleared to Fly to UK

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was briefly detained by immigration officials at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday morning while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom.

The Kogi Central lawmaker was reportedly stopped and informed that her name had been placed on a watch list, allegedly on the directive of the leadership of the National Assembly. She was traveling with her husband to attend her stepson’s graduation ceremony in the UK.

A family member familiar with the matter said the senator was surprised by the restriction, especially as there is no court order against her and she has consistently appeared at all court proceedings.

“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” the relative said. “We are wondering why they treated her that way, given there is no court order restricting her movement and she has never missed any of her court appearances.”

The incident, which drew attention from airport staff and passengers, unfolded amid increasing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and top figures in the National Assembly.

She is currently challenging her suspension from the Senate after publicly protesting a change in her seating position. The senator has also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate President has vehemently denied. In addition, the Federal Government has filed two criminal defamation suits against her, which she has described as part of a wider political witch-hunt.

Eyewitnesses at the airport said the senator made several frantic phone calls to senior government and immigration officials. After nearly an hour of delay, she was eventually allowed to board her British Airways flight.

“Her passport was eventually stamped and she was allowed to proceed,” a witness confirmed.

When reached by phone shortly before takeoff, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed the incident, but declined to go into details. “The aircraft is about to take off,” she said.

Her family, however, expressed concern that she might face similar treatment upon her return to Nigeria in two weeks.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Immigration Service has not issued an official statement. Spokesperson for the Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, said he would provide further information once he is fully briefed on the situation.