Natasha Alleges Senate President Akpabio Ordered Seizure of Her Passport
Natasha Alleges Senate President Akpabio Ordered Seizure of Her Passport
A fresh political drama is unfolding as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, has raised a serious allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming he instructed the Comptroller-General of Immigration to seize her passport at the airport, thereby preventing her from travelling out of the country.
In a statement shared online, Natasha expressed shock and dismay at what she described as an abuse of power and a politically motivated attack. According to her, she was at the airport preparing to board an international flight when immigration officials stopped her, citing “orders from above.”
“I was told the instruction came directly from Senate President Godswill Akpabio,” she said. “My passport was taken from me, and I was told I could not leave the country. This is harassment, pure and simple.”
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians demanding an official explanation from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the National Assembly.
Political observers have described the development as “deeply troubling,” especially if true, as it raises questions about the separation of powers and abuse of executive privilege.
While Senator Akpabio has yet to issue an official statement, close aides reportedly dismissed the allegation as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that the Senate President has no authority to give such instructions to immigration officials.
Natasha, however, vowed to pursue the matter through legal and constitutional means, stressing that no Nigerian citizen should be unlawfully restricted from travelling without due process.
This controversy adds to the growing tension within the Senate, as rumours of political rivalries and personal vendettas continue to swirl in the corridors of power.
