The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Command, has arrested two passengers for allegedly smoking cigarettes aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, an incident that reportedly triggered the aircraft's smoke detection and emergency alarm system.
The suspects, identified as 51-year-old Enaruna Prince Aghama and 43-year-old Tony Ajayi, were handed over to officers at the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security personnel after the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to a statement by the command, the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on Thursday while the flight was en route from South Africa to Lagos.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the two passengers allegedly lit cigarettes inside the aircraft, activating the plane's smoke detection system and causing panic among passengers and members of the cabin crew.
The police added that the suspects were also found with alcoholic drinks and allegedly became unruly and verbally abusive when crew members attempted to enforce the airline's safety regulations and calm the situation.
The command said the passengers' conduct disrupted the smooth operation of the flight and posed a threat to aviation safety.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Ogunbode Olufunke, condemned the alleged misconduct, stressing that any act capable of endangering the safety of an aircraft or its occupants would not be tolerated.
She reaffirmed the command's commitment to enforcing aviation security laws and safeguarding the lives of passengers, crew members and other airport users in line with existing regulations and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria by-laws.
Olufunke also urged air travellers to comply with all lawful directives issued by airline operators and aviation personnel, noting that discipline and adherence to safety rules are essential for secure air travel.
The police said the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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