The security staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
Wednesday apprehended one Olushola Alabibu who attempted to stow away in
a taxing aircraft on the tarmac of the airport in Lagos.
Yakubu Dati, FAAN Spokesperson, said the incident occurred at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
“The culprit was arrested as soon as he scaled the perimeter fence near
the moving aircraft and after interrogation by the Avsec staff, he was
immediately handed over to the police for further interrogation,” Mr.
Dati said in a statement on Wednesday night.
Passengers aboard the aircraft said it was an 11.15 a.m. Medview flight
2108 from Lagos to Abuja, and they mistook him for a terrorist.
“The plane was already on the runway when the pilot suddenly slowed down,” one of the passengers said on social media.
“We saw a man beside the wing of the plane carrying a black bag. As
the plane moved forward, he tried to jump as if trying to grab
something.
“At first we thought it was an engineer but what will an engineer be doing beside a moving plane.
The passenger said that at the man’s fourth attempt to throw his bag
into the engine compartment, he was seen by the pilot who immediately
“turned on the engine to the highest.”
“The wind blew him away, causing him to rumble and roll on the floor.
He stood up and ran to the other side of the plane limping. Two airport
authorities ran towards him but he ‘escaped.’
“We panicked and the pilot announced that the plane has been
compromised, so we disembarked and we are waiting for three o’clock
flight.”
In his statement, Mr. Dati said access to restricted areas of the
airport, including the tarmac and perimeter roads, is prohibited for
unauthorized people, including airport staff, “who have no business
being there.”
“This is more so in view of the present security situation in the country,” he said.
Hence, the reason still lies unknown, until interrogation is completed.
Premium Times
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