Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s passport was seized by Nigerian immigration officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, sparking a heated exchange between the senator and the immigration authorities. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of ordering the seizure, claiming it was an unlawful restriction of her movement and a gross violation of her fundamental rights.
The Incident
- Passport Seizure: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s passport was seized at the Abuja airport on Thursday as she prepared to board a British Airways flight to London.
- Immigration’s Response: Immigration officials initially refused to provide a reason for the seizure, but later claimed it was due to a directive from the “highest level” of the Immigration hierarchy.
Aftermath
- Passport Release: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s passport was eventually released after her husband made several urgent phone calls.
- Accusations and Denials: Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of ordering the seizure, while Akpabio’s office has not commented.
Reactions
- Public Outrage: The incident has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the politicization of state institutions and the use of security agencies for partisan objectives.
- Concerns about Rule of Law: The seizure has raised concerns about the rule of law and the potential abuse of institutional power.