…Security Operatives Nab Suspects On Arrival
… Authorities To Probe Incident
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Three unruly passengers have become unwilling guests of security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, after they were arrested for disruptive behaviour on Air Peace’s London-Lagos flight.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 and the suspects’ unacceptable behaviour was capable of jeopardising the safety of both passengers and crew.
The commotion repeatedly began mid-flight when two individuals, Adedigba Adewale and Ashibogu Magnus, originally seated in Economy Class, illegally occupied seats in the Business Class cabin.
Despite multiple directives from the crew to return to their assigned seats, they remained defiant and forcefully imposed themselves in the premium section.
Their unruly and aggressive demeanor unsettled fellow passengers and disrupted normal flight operations.
To make matters worse, the duo openly consumed a bottle of rum they had smuggled onto the aircraft, violating aviation regulations.
Their reckless behavior encouraged a third passenger, Iwonze Benjamin, to join in the misconduct, escalating the disturbance.
The disruptive trio ignored safety protocols, prompting the captain to make repeated announcements from the cockpit, urging them to comply with crew instructions.
As the situation became increasingly volatile, the flight crew swiftly notified security agencies in Nigeria ahead of the plane’s arrival. Upon landing at MMIA, law enforcement officials were on standby and immediately apprehended the three individuals.
They were taken into custody for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
Reacting to the incident, Air Peace strongly condemned the passengers’ disruptive behavior, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy for any actions that threaten flight safety.
The airline emphasized its commitment to maintaining global aviation standards and ensuring that all passengers travel in a secure and orderly environment.
“We take the safety of our passengers and crew very seriously, and any act of misconduct that threatens security onboard will not be tolerated,” the airline stated.
Air Peace further commended its crew for their professionalism in handling the situation, ensuring it did not spiral into a more severe crisis.
Authorities have since launched a full investigation, and appropriate legal actions are expected against the individuals involved.
