The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member representing Yagba East and West Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, Sunday Karim, was on Thursday barred from boarding a flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by officials of the State Security Services (SSS).
The lawmaker, who reached out to PREMIUM TIMES following the development, said he was scheduled to travel to the United States aboard an Air France flight when SSS operatives suddenly seized his passport as he tried to clear immigration.
The lawmaker said he was scheuled to travel by Air France, and that the flight was already boarding when he was blocked.
Mr. Karim noted that his luggage had already been checked in as the flight was already boarding before the incident, adding that he has “absolutely no prior notice” that the secret police was monitoring his movement.
It is not immediately clear why Mr. Karim is being detained and the SSS could not be reached for comments as it currently does not have a substantive spokesperson since its former image maker, Marilyn Ogar was sacked.
The lawmaker said he has been told that it was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, that requested the SSS to prevent him from travelling out of the country, and strongly condemned the development.
“EFCC said I cannot travel. Nigeria has become such a lawless country? If you have issues, you would call me and get a statement from me.
“I find it difficult to believe that we’re still under a democratic government.
“They have seized my passport and I am going back to my house now”, Mr. Karim said.
