Quick Summary:
TinubuDirective as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reveals that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to withdraw all court cases filed against her, following an alleged travel restriction incident at the airport.
TinubuDirective made headlines on Tuesday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to withdraw all Federal Government cases instituted against her.
The revelation came during a Facebook Live broadcast, where the senator alleged that she was prevented from travelling abroad after her international passport was seized by immigration officials at the airport.
President’s Intervention
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the President personally intervened in her legal matters, acknowledging that the cases against her were politically motivated.
She further claimed that President Tinubu had spoken directly to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to ensure the termination of the cases.
Alleged Travel Restriction
Visibly upset during the live video, the senator showed immigration officers in the background, alleging that they had withheld her passport for over 20 minutes.
Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that this was not the first time her travel had been restricted, describing the incident as part of a pattern of harassment.
Background of the Legal Cases
The Federal Government had earlier filed two separate charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the FCT High Court.
The first charge, CR/297/25, and a subsequent one, FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, were both filed in May 2025, alleging that the senator made statements capable of harming the reputations of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The senator has consistently maintained that the charges were politically motivated and aimed at silencing her.
Ongoing Reactions
The incident has sparked widespread discussion across political and social circles, with many calling for clarity from the Presidency, the Senate, and the Nigeria Immigration Service regarding the alleged travel restriction.
Observers say the development underscores the tensions between political institutions and the rights of elected officials, particularly in cases involving dissenting voices within the National Assembly.