Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Briefly Delayed At Abuja Airport Over Travel Watch List.
On Thursday morning, 24 July 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, faced a brief delay at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while attempting to board a British Airways flight to the United Kingdom. The senator, accompanied by her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, was stopped by immigration officials who informed her that her name had been placed on a travel watch list, allegedly at the behest of the National Assembly leadership.
According to sources close to the senator, she was travelling to attend her stepson’s graduation ceremony in the UK when immigration officers intercepted her at the departure terminal, flagging her as a potential flight risk. The incident, which caused a stir among travellers and airport staff, saw the senator’s passport temporarily seized. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remained composed throughout the ordeal, firmly asserting that no court order restricted her movement and that she had consistently attended all required court appearances.
The situation prompted a series of urgent phone calls, reportedly made by her husband, as the delay extended to nearly an hour. Eventually, the senator’s passport was returned without formal explanation, allowing her to proceed through immigration and board her flight just in time. Eyewitnesses described the episode as an unnecessary embarrassment, raising concerns about the potential misuse of institutional power.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has not issued an official statement on the matter, and attempts to reach their spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, for comment were met with a promise to provide details later. Similarly, the office of the Senate President has remained silent on the incident. This event comes amid reported tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, following her suspension and allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which he has denied.
Travellers at the airport expressed sympathy for the senator, with some questioning the motives behind the watch list designation. A family member, speaking anonymously, voiced hope that the senator would not face similar treatment upon her return to Nigeria in two weeks. The incident has sparked discussions about the use of security agencies in political disputes, with observers calling for greater transparency and accountability.
