By Huldah Shado
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was briefly detained by immigration officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday morning as she attempted to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
A family member, who requested anonymity for security reasons, confirmed that the senator was stopped and informed that her name had been placed on a watch list. This action was allegedly at the behest of the National Assembly leadership. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was reportedly traveling with her husband to attend their stepson’s graduation ceremony in the UK when she was prevented from proceeding.
The family member expressed bewilderment over the incident, stating that there was no court order restricting her movement and that the senator has consistently attended all her court appearances.
The incident caused a brief commotion at the airport and underscores the escalating tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the National Assembly leadership. The senator has been in an ongoing dispute with the Senate following its decision to suspend her from her position after she protested a change in her seating arrangement. This dispute has included allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, which he has denied, and a complex legal battle over her suspension.
While details from immigration authorities are still awaited, the brief detention highlights the deepening political friction surrounding the Kogi Central lawmaker.
