Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Briefly Detained at Abuja Airport Over Alleged Watchlist Placement

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was briefly detained on Thursday morning by immigration officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom.

Sources revealed that the lawmaker was informed she could not travel because her name had allegedly been placed on a watch list at the request of the leadership of the National Assembly.

A family member told PREMIUM TIMES that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was traveling with her husband to attend her stepson’s graduation ceremony in the UK, was stopped at the departure terminal.

“She was told that the National Assembly leadership requested her placement on a watch list, branding her a flight risk,” the family member said anonymously. “We are shocked by this action, especially since there is no court order restricting her movement, and she has never defaulted on any court appearances.”

The incident, which drew attention at the airport, comes amid heightened friction between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership. The senator is currently contesting her suspension from the Senate after protesting a change to her seating arrangement. She also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — allegations he has strongly denied.

Additionally, the Federal Government has filed two criminal defamation cases against her, which she claims are part of a coordinated political witch-hunt. Her associates believe Thursday’s airport ordeal may be linked to this ongoing feud.

Eyewitnesses reported that the senator protested the restriction and made multiple urgent calls to top immigration and government officials. After nearly an hour of tension, she was eventually cleared to board her British Airways flight.