The Airport Command of Nigeria Police Force on Friday February 14, 2025, arraigned three passengers who were arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos on February 12, 2025, for their unruly behaviours while onboard a flight operated by Air Peace on London – Lagos route, at an Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos State.
The three paassengers—Adewale Adedigba (52), Magnis Ashibuogwu (50), and Iwunze Benjamin (30), were accused of breaching of public peace contrary to Section 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, and unlawfully moved from their originally assigned economy class seats to the business class section of the cabin without authorization, in violation of section 4(1)(a)(b) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Bye-Law 2005, while onboard the London Lagos flight.
The Police prosecutor, Oladipupo Taiwo, a Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Murtala Muhammed International Airport Division, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on February 12, 2025.
According to Oladipupo the offences contravene and are punishable under Section 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2015 and Section ( 4)(1)(a)(b) of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Bye-Law.
The prosecutor therefore pressed for strict adherence to aviation laws, to deter similar incidents in the future.
The defendants’ plea was not immediately accepted, and the magistrate adjourned the case to March 3, 2025, for hearing.
If found guilty of the offences, the accused persons are liable to pay fines or face terms of imprisonment.
This case underscores the growing need for stricter enforcement of in-flight conduct regulations in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Industry experts have called for heightened awareness and compliance to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. The upcoming hearing will determine the fate of the accused and set a precedent for future cases involving disruptive behavior on flights.
