Senator Natasha nearly barred from UK trip at Abuja airport

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was briefly held by immigration officials at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday morning, moments before boarding a flight to the United Kingdom.

The Kogi Central lawmaker, travelling with her husband to attend her stepson’s graduation in the UK, was reportedly flagged at the departure terminal and informed she was on a watch list, allegedly at the request of the National Assembly leadership.

“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” a family member familiar with the situation told reporters.

“We’re baffled by the move. There’s no court order restricting her travel, and she’s never missed a court appearance,” the source added.

The incident created a stir among airport staff and fellow travellers.

It comes against the backdrop of an escalating clash between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership. The senator is currently challenging her suspension from the chamber following her rejection of a seat reassignment during plenary.

Tensions intensified after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The federal government has since launched two criminal defamation suits against her.

Eyewitnesses said the senator protested the attempted restriction and was seen making urgent calls.

“Her passport was eventually stamped, and she was allowed to proceed,” one witness confirmed.

Contacted just before takeoff, Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “The aircraft is about to take off,” confirming the ordeal but offering no further comment.