The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has denied claims that it seized the passport of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, stating that she only underwent routine travel checks.
NIS spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, clarified the situation during a televised interview on Tuesday. He explained that officers simply carried out standard procedures before allowing the senator to proceed with her trip.
“NIS didn’t seize the distinguished senator’s passport. She went through routine immigration checks and was allowed to travel,” Akinlabi said.
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According to him, officers may hold a passport briefly while conducting verification, but that does not amount to seizure.
“The officers needed to conduct their checks. They may take your passport to do so, but that doesn’t mean it was seized,” he explained, adding that the senator was cleared after the process.
Akinlabi noted that Senator Natasha recorded a video during the checks but did not provide a follow-up update after being cleared to board.
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Earlier, the senator had alleged that her international passport was withheld and that she had been prevented from travelling.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
