The Airport Police Command, Lagos, says it will arraign two passengers accused of smoking and causing a disturbance aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, an incident that allegedly triggered the aircraft’s emergency smoke alarm and sparked panic among passengers.
The command made this known in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Adeola.
The suspects were identified as 51-year-old Enaruna Prince Aghama and 43-year-old Tony Ajayi.
According to the police, the duo was handed over to officers at the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security personnel after the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, for further investigation.
Preliminary findings indicated that the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on Thursday while the flight was en route to Lagos.
The statement read, “Preliminary investigation revealed that at about 1944hrs on 9th July, 2026, while aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, the suspects lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft, an action which activated the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system, causing panic and anxiety among passengers and cabin crew.”
Police further alleged that the suspects were in possession of an alcoholic beverage and became uncooperative when members of the cabin crew attempted to enforce safety regulations.
It added that the pair “became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew members attempted to de-escalate the situation and enforce established safety regulations, thereby further disrupting the orderly conduct of the flight.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, condemned the alleged actions of the passengers.
She said, “Any act capable of compromising aviation safety or disrupting the orderly operation of an aircraft is unacceptable.”
Olufunke added that the command “remains committed to the strict enforcement of aviation security laws and the protection of the lives of passengers, crew members, and all airport users.”
She also urged travellers to comply with lawful directives issued by airline operators and aviation personnel, stressing that “maintaining discipline and orderly conduct aboard aircraft is a shared responsibility essential to safe air travel.”
The police said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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