Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) was briefly detained by immigration officials at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
Her detention came as the Senate concluded its legislative session until September 23, 2025, bringing an end to another year of activity.
Akpoti‑Uduaghan, traveling with her husband to attend her stepson’s graduation ceremony abroad, was reportedly told that her name had been placed on a watch list.
“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” a family member explained on condition of anonymity.
“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 unfolded amid escalating tensions between the senator and the National Assembly leadership. She is currently challenging her suspension from the Senate, a consequence of her outspoken protest over changes to her designated sitting position.
The senator subsequently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a charge he firmly denies.
Eyewitnesses say Akpoti‑Uduaghan visibly protested the travel ban and made urgent calls to senior immigration officials and government contacts.
After nearly an hour, she was permitted to board her British Airways flight.
Immigration authorities have yet to issue an official statement. Spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi promised to “revert once he obtains details of the incident.”
According to Dayo Fadugba, a lawyer and policy analyst based in Abuja, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s own Notice of Appeal supports the position that the Senate was under no court-mandated obligation to reinstate her before her six-month suspension ended.
Fadugba pointed to “Ground 23 of the 30‑ground appeal,” stating it “affirms that the trial judge only observed the suspension to be excessive, without issuing a pronouncement nullifying it.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has called on all standing and ad-hoc committees to use the two-month recess to finalize pending reports and prepare them for presentation when legislative business resumes.
He also urged senators to conduct constituency oversight visits, especially to inspect road projects in their jurisdictions.
