The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has lamented the continuous harassment she faces from government officials, particularly immigration officers.
In a new video posted on her Facebook account, the Kogi senator was seen questioning why her passport was seized at the airport. She explained that after two years of serving in the Senate, she decided to take a short break by travelling abroad.
The footage showed immigration officers making phone calls as the senator repeatedly asked what offence she had committed. The officers were heard apologising, but Natasha declined the apology, insisting that her passport be released immediately.
The lawmaker expressed frustration, questioning why she was being targeted each time she attempted to travel.
Natasha revealed that during a previous incident, her passport was only released after a call was made to an influential figure.
She also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of directing the Comptroller-General of Customs to restrict her movement, alleging that he claimed she was tarnishing the nation’s image through her public statements.
According to her, there was no valid court order justifying the action, as the court case against her had been withdrawn following President Tinubu’s intervention, who reportedly ordered Akpabio to drop the matter for being politically motivated.
She said, “There is no order from the court to withhold my passport and deny me travelling.”
She added, “You have no right to withhold my passport and deny me entry and exit into my country.”
Her passport was eventually returned, which she attributed to going live on social media during the confrontation.
The incident comes amid ongoing tension between Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio. Their dispute began during plenary sessions, reportedly over issues of committee representation and gender bias.
Natasha accused the Senate leadership of sidelining female lawmakers, a claim Akpabio dismissed, sparking a heated exchange that briefly disrupted proceedings. The senator insisted on her right to speak, while Akpabio urged her to maintain order.
