Security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, arrested three unruly passengers aboard an Air Peace flight from London- Lagos.
The three passengers, it was gathered, engaged in disruptive behavior that endangered the safety of the flight, passengers and crew.
LEADERSHIP gathered that during the London-Lagos flight, two passengers identified as Adedigba Adewale and Ashibogu Magnus, originally seated in Economy Class, unlawfully occupied seats in the Business Class cabin and refused multiple directives from the crew to return to their assigned seats after they bullied their way through to the business class unauthorised.
Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, the unruly passengers remained defiant, creating a tense atmosphere on board throughout the flight.
In addition to disregarding crew instructions, the individuals openly consumed a bottle of rum they had brought onboard.
The third unruly passenger identified as Iwonze Benjamin joined in the consumption of the rum and very unruly behaviour.
This furthermore exacerbated their unruly conduct. Their behaviour raised security and safety concerns among
passengers and crew, prompting the captain to make repeated announcements from the cockpit.
Recognising the potential threat, the flight crew notified security agencies in Nigeria ahead of arrival. Upon landing, law enforcement officials were on the ground to apprehend the
individuals who were taken into custody for further investigations.
Air Peace has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and adherence to global aviation standards. The airline emphasised that any form of disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and assured the public of its continuous efforts to uphold the highest levels of security and order on all flights.
Air Peace lauded its crew for their professionalism in handling this threat to safety in a way that prevented a worse event from occurring.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and appropriate legal action is expected to follow.