Police arrest two after smoking causes panic aboard aircraft

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Command, has arrested two passengers who allegedly smoked cigarettes aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, an act that triggered the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system and caused panic among passengers and crew members.

The suspects, identified as 51-year-old Enaruna Prince Aghama and 43-year-old Tony Ajayi, were handed over to the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel after the Air Peace flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, for further investigation.

A statement by the command said the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on July 9, 2026, while the Air Peace aircraft was travelling from South Africa to Lagos.

According to initial investigations, the two suspects allegedly lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft, an action that activated the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system, causing panic and anxiety among passengers and members of the cabin crew.

The investigation also revealed that the suspects were in possession of an alcoholic beverage and allegedly became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew members attempted to calm the situation and enforce the airline’s safety regulations.

The police said their actions further disrupted the orderly operation of the flight.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, condemned the conduct of the suspects, describing any action capable of threatening aviation safety or disrupting the smooth operation of an aircraft as unacceptable.

“The Airport Police 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, in line with the provisions of the relevant aviation regulations and the FAAN By-Laws,” she said.  

The police commissioner also appealed to air travellers to obey all lawful instructions issued by airline operators and aviation personnel.

She stressed that maintaining discipline and orderly conduct on board an aircraft is a shared responsibility that is essential to ensuring safe air travel.

The Airport Police Command said the two suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction after investigations are concluded.