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The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command, said it would arraign two passengers for unruly conduct after they allegedly smoked cigarettes aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos.
The suspects were identified as Enaruna Prince Aghama, 51, and Tony Ajayi, 43.
They were handed over to the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel on arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, for further investigation.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Airport Command, ASP Mohammed Adeola, preliminary investigation revealed that at about 7:44pm on July 9, the suspects lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft.
The act activated the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system, causing panic and anxiety among passengers and cabin crew.
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Adeola further stated that the suspects were also found in possession of alcoholic beverages and became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew attempted to de-escalate the situation and enforce safety regulations.
“The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, condemned the conduct of the suspects, describing any act capable of compromising aviation safety or disrupting the orderly operation of an aircraft as unacceptable,” the statement said.
CP Olufunke reiterated the command’s commitment to strict enforcement of aviation security laws and the protection of passengers, crew members, and airport users in line with relevant aviation regulations and FAAN By-Laws.
She also urged members of the travelling public to comply with all lawful directives issued by airline operators and aviation personnel, noting that maintaining discipline aboard aircraft is a shared responsibility essential to safe air travel.
The police said the suspects would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigation.
