A coalition of over 300 women’s rights and Civil Society Organisations led by Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi has condemned the increasing cases of passport seizures without court orders by personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Speaking in Abuja, Akiyode-Afolabi highlighted that such acts violate citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement under Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
She drew attention to incidents including the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose passport was reportedly seized at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, causing her to miss her flight. Despite regaining her passport, many Nigerians face similar violations without the visibility to contest them.
Akiyode-Afolabi called on the Federal Government and the NIS Comptroller-General to halt such arbitrary practices, establish transparent protocols for any lawful travel restrictions, and provide remedies for affected citizens. She stressed that the right to movement is fundamental and urged authorities to uphold the law, restore public confidence, and resist the weaponisation of state institutions against especially women and political voices.
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