The Nigerian Immigration Service has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s name from a no-fly list, ending a travel restriction that had prevented the Kogi Central lawmaker from departing the country. The list was allegedly issued at the behest of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The controversy began earlier this month when Senator Natasha claimed immigration officers at the airport seized her passport, citing instructions from the Senate President. In a widely circulated video, the lawmaker questioned officials about the alleged confiscation, describing the move as a violation of her fundamental rights and an attempt to intimidate her politically.
A source at the immigration headquarters confirmed that the senator was placed on the no-fly list because she had publicly criticised the Senate. “She has now been cleared from the list following the video, which the immigration service said portrayed the agency in a negative light,” the source said.
Political Fallout and Legal Action
Senator Natasha has repeatedly accused Senate President Akpabio of orchestrating a coordinated campaign to discredit her after she publicly alleged sexual harassment in February 2025. She filed a petition with the Inspector-General of Police, detailing what she described as criminal defamation, cyber-stalking, and other attacks on her reputation and career.
The petition also referenced an online persona, “Professor Mgbeke,” later identified as Dr Sandra Chidinma Duru, whom the senator claims was part of the coordinated smear campaign. These incidents have drawn widespread attention to issues of political interference and the misuse of state machinery in regulating the movements of public officials.
Economic and Public Interest Implications
While the case centres on a lawmaker, experts warn that such arbitrary travel restrictions can affect confidence in Nigeria’s institutions, which has knock-on effects for the economy. Political instability and perceptions of rule-of-law violations can influence investor sentiment, delay business dealings, and complicate international partnerships, all of which ultimately impact the average Nigerian’s pocket.
By resolving the travel restriction, authorities have prevented further disruption to the senator’s official duties and international engagements, signalling a small step towards maintaining procedural transparency. Observers note, however, that sustained reforms are needed to ensure that government agencies operate without undue political interference.
