Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has warned that the planned investigation by security agencies into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York could bring embarrassment to Nigeria.

Falana’s statement follows allegations by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accused the senator of embarrassing the Nigerian government by taking her complaint about her suspension to the international body.

Senator Natasha had accused Akpabio of harassment and misconduct, a dispute that arose over her seating arrangement in the Senate chamber. She was later suspended over alleged misconduct related to the incident.

On March 11, Natasha addressed the IPU conference, describing her suspension as an attempt to silence her from speaking out on the harassment allegations against Akpabio.

Reports indicate that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have launched an investigation into how the senator from Kogi State attended the IPU meeting without official clearance from Nigerian authorities.

However, in a statement on Sunday, Falana cautioned the security agencies, warning that their planned probe could further damage Nigeria’s reputation.

"In the end, it is well known that Senate President Godswill Akpabio accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of embarrassing the Nigerian government. However, contrary to the baseless position taken by the Senate leadership, it is the planned security investigation into her trip that will actually bring embarrassment to Nigeria," Falana stated.