Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of ordering Nigerian immigration officers to seize her international passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The lawmaker claimed that Akpabio instructed immigration officials to withhold her passport and prevent her from traveling abroad because she “spoil[s] the image of the country” by granting interviews to international media.
This incident is the latest development in the ongoing feud between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio, who has been accused of masterminding a coordinated smear campaign against the lawmaker. Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, which he denied.
The senator has also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that Akpabio is behind a malicious campaign to discredit her.
The seizure of Senator Natasha’s passport has sparked controversy, with many questioning the use of security agencies for political purposes. The incident has also raised concerns about the rule of law and the respect for human rights in Nigeria.
