It was supposed to be a routine flight from South Africa to Lagos. But for passengers on an Air Peace flight on Thursday night, the journey turned chaotic after two men allegedly lit cigarettes inside the cabin.
The Airport Police Command in Lagos confirmed on Friday that the two passengers will be arraigned. They were named as Enaruna Prince Aghama, 51, and Tony Ajayi, 43.
According to police spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, Aviation Security personnel handed the men over to the International Airport Police Division at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, immediately after the plane landed.
The trouble reportedly started at about 7:44 p.m., while the aircraft was still in the air.
“At 1944 hours, the suspects brought out cigarettes and started smoking on board,” the police statement read. “That triggered the aircraft’s smoke detector and emergency alarm. Passengers and crew panicked.”
Things didn’t stop there. Police said the men also had alcohol with them and got hostile when flight attendants stepped in.
“When the crew tried to calm them down and enforce safety rules, they became aggressive and started shouting. It disrupted the entire flight,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, didn’t mince words.
“Anything that puts aviation safety at risk or disturbs a flight is not acceptable,” she said. “We will continue to enforce the law and protect everyone who uses our airports.”
She also appealed to travelers to listen to airline staff. “Keeping order in the air is everyone’s job. It’s what keeps flights safe.”
Police said investigations are ongoing and the two men will be taken to court once that is done.