The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has denied allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that her passport was unlawfully seized by immigration officers at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The Senator had claimed the passport seizure was politically motivated and intended to prevent her from travelling.
NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi explained that the senator underwent standard immigration procedures during which her passport was temporarily taken for verification. The passport was never officially seized, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was promptly cleared to travel.
The NIS emphasized that taking passports temporarily for verification is part of their statutory duties and does not constitute unlawful seizure. Media footage of the senator was recorded during the routine checks, and she was allowed to board her flight.
While the senator alleged interference linked to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the NIS spokesperson clarified that no such political instructions influenced the checks. The service called for accurate reporting and stressed its commitment to lawful immigration practices.
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