Senate Initially Hesitates to Second Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Motion on Nigerian Women in Libyan Prisons

Tension briefly surfaced at the National Assembly on Tuesday when senators hesitated to second a motion moved by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the alleged abuse of Nigerian women in Libyan detention centers.

Representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akpoti-Uduaghan called for urgent intervention to repatriate Nigerian women reportedly held in Libyan prisons. She claimed that some detainees were subjected to sexual exploitation by prison officials and, in some cases, forced to bear children while in custody. She urged the Senate to direct the Nigerian Immigration Service to work with Libyan authorities to ensure their safe return.

After her presentation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio asked for a seconder—a required step for debate to begin—but initially, no senator rose to support the motion, leaving the chamber momentarily silent.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele eventually seconded the motion, allowing proceedings to continue.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had just returned to the Senate earlier this month following a six-month suspension related to sexual assault allegations she made against Senate President Akpabio.

Drama as Senators shun Natasha Akpoti's motion in Senate today pic.twitter.com/7PbY3tGW0B

— Politics Nigeria (@PoliticsNGR) October 14, 2025