By Ado Oyeyemi
The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Command, has taken two passengers into custody after they allegedly smoked cigarettes aboard an Air Peace flight travelling from South Africa to Lagos, an action that reportedly triggered the aircraft’s smoke detection 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 officers of the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel after the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
According to a statement issued by the Airport Command, the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during the flight from South Africa to Lagos.
Preliminary findings indicated that the two men allegedly lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft, setting off the plane’s smoke detection and emergency alarm systems.
The development reportedly created anxiety among passengers and members of the cabin crew.
Investigators also discovered that the suspects were in possession of alcoholic beverages and allegedly became hostile and verbally abusive when cabin crew members attempted to enforce safety regulations and restore order.
Police said the passengers’ conduct further disrupted the smooth operation of the flight.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, condemned the alleged actions of the suspects, stressing that any behaviour capable of endangering aviation safety or interfering with flight operations would not be tolerated.
She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing aviation security laws and protecting the lives of passengers, airline personnel and other airport users in accordance with existing aviation regulations and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by-laws.
The police commissioner also urged travellers to comply with lawful directives issued by airline operators and aviation officials, noting that discipline and cooperation from passengers are essential for safe and secure air travel.
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The Airport Police Command disclosed that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
