The Airport Police Command in Lagos has announced plans to arraign two passengers accused of smoking and engaging in unruly behaviour aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, an incident that allegedly triggered the aircraft’s emergency smoke alarm and caused panic among passengers.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, identifying the suspects as Enaruna Prince Aghama, 51, and Tony Ajayi, 43.
According to the statement, the suspects were handed over to the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security personnel after the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, for further investigation.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on Thursday while the flight was en route to Lagos.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that at about 1944hrs on 9th July, 2026, while aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, the suspects lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft, an action which activated the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system, causing panic and anxiety among passengers and cabin crew,” the statement said.
The command further alleged that the two passengers were in possession of alcoholic beverages and became uncooperative when cabin crew members attempted to enforce onboard safety regulations.
According to the police, the suspects “became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew members attempted to de-escalate the situation and enforce established safety regulations, thereby further disrupting the orderly conduct of the flight.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, condemned the alleged actions of the passengers, describing any behaviour capable of endangering aviation safety as unacceptable.
“Any act capable of compromising aviation safety or disrupting the orderly operation of an aircraft is unacceptable,” she said.
Olufunke reiterated the command’s commitment to enforcing aviation security laws and protecting the lives of passengers, crew members and other airport users.
She also urged travellers to comply with lawful directives issued by airline operators and aviation personnel, stressing that maintaining discipline and order onboard aircraft is essential for safe air travel.
The police added that the suspects would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigations.
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