Police to Arraign Two for Smoking, Causing Panic on Air Peace Flight
The Lagos Airport Police Command says it will arraign two passengers accused of smoking cigarettes aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, an act that allegedly triggered the aircraft’s emergency smoke alarm and caused panic among passengers and crew.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, identifying the suspects as Enaruna Prince Aghama, 51, and Tony Ajayi, 43.
According to the police, the duo was handed over to the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security personnel after the aircraft landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, for investigation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on Thursday while the Air Peace aircraft was en route to Lagos.
The police alleged that the suspects lit and smoked cigarettes inside the cabin, activating the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system, which caused anxiety among passengers and cabin crew.
Investigators also said the suspects were in possession of alcoholic beverages and became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew members attempted to enforce safety regulations and restore order.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, described the alleged conduct as unacceptable, stressing that any act capable of compromising aviation safety or disrupting the orderly operation of an aircraft would not be tolerated.
She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing aviation security laws and urged travellers to comply with lawful directives issued by airline operators and aviation personnel.
The police said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.