A dramatic stand-off at the Uyo International Airport on January 8, 2025, ended in a major flight disruption that left 89 passengers stranded and a Nigerian woman facing multiple charges. Chiamaka Don Ubani, 32, was arrested and subsequently charged for obstructing a flight from departing, resulting in the cancellation of Ibom Air flight Q1528.
The situation began when Ms. Ubani, a passenger on the flight, became increasingly agitated over her overweight luggage, which airport staff had refused to load onto the aircraft. Despite multiple attempts by both Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the flight’s pilot to calm her down, the confrontation escalated, and Ubani refused to board the plane unless her bags were allowed.
“She angrily stepped down from the aircraft and insisted that her luggage be loaded onto the flight,” said Dr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). “She made it clear that no one would fly unless her bags were accommodated, and when she was told that this was impossible, she caused a scene, preventing the aircraft from departing.”
The incident, which unfolded in full view of other passengers, caused a substantial delay. As the situation intensified, the airline’s operational team struggled to de-escalate the issue, leading to the eventual grounding of the flight. By the time the situation was resolved, Uyo’s airspace had closed for the day, making it impossible for the flight to take off.
“This act not only disrupted the scheduled departure but also caused major inconvenience to the passengers,” Achimugu continued. “The airline was forced to provide new accommodations, meals, and transport, all at significant cost.”
The charges against Ms. Ubani are serious. She has been accused of intentionally obstructing the aircraft’s movement, thus preventing flight Q1528 from taking off, as well as creating a public nuisance by causing significant inconvenience and discomfort to the other passengers.
The specific charges brought against her include:
- Count One: “Intentionally and maliciously preventing the door of the aircraft from closing, thereby obstructing the flight and committing an offence punishable under Section 436 of the Criminal Code of Akwa Ibom State.”
- Count Two: “Constituting a public nuisance by obstructing the flight from flying at the scheduled time, causing inconvenience to passengers and the public, thus committing an offence punishable under Section 196(1)(f) of the Criminal Code.”
These offenses are punishable by law, with the potential for both financial penalties and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the charges.
The ordeal caused by Ubani’s actions did not end with the flight’s cancellation. The airline was left with no choice but to rebook all passengers on alternative flights, incurring additional operational expenses. Dr. Achimugu noted that this was a significant financial burden on Ibom Air, which had already experienced financial losses due to the delay.
“The airline had to cater for all passengers by providing refreshments, hotel accommodations, and alternate transportation,” Achimugu said. “It’s a huge avoidable cost, and these types of disruptions are damaging not just to the airline but to the overall image of Nigerian aviation.”
For the passengers on board, it was an inconvenient and frustrating experience. “We were already in our seats, ready for take-off, when the whole thing started,” recounted one anonymous passenger. “It was stressful because we didn’t know what was happening, and when they told us the flight was cancelled, we were left scrambling to make alternative plans.”
As the case heads to court on February 4, 2025, legal experts are keenly watching the proceedings, as the outcome could set a significant precedent for similar future cases. According to legal analysts, the charges against Ubani could lead to a tough sentence if convicted, especially given the increasing importance of maintaining order at airports.
“Airline operations are strictly regulated for the safety and convenience of all passengers, and this kind of disruption, especially when it involves violence or threats, is not taken lightly,” said Chidi Nwachukwu, a lawyer with experience in aviation law. “The severity of the case could result in a lengthy jail term, and the court may also impose a heavy fine to deter future incidents.”
Nwachukwu also highlighted the potential impact of the case on the broader public, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to regulations in order to maintain safety and efficiency at Nigerian airports.
“This incident highlights a concerning trend of passengers taking the law into their own hands, and it underscores the importance of educating the public about the legal consequences of such actions,” he said. “While airport staff and authorities have protocols to follow, passengers must also respect these guidelines to avoid putting themselves and others in danger.”
In a statement released after the incident, Ibom Air acknowledged the disruption and confirmed that they were cooperating with law enforcement to ensure that justice was served. The airline also assured passengers that they would continue to adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers, and we are working closely with the Nigerian authorities to ensure that such disruptions do not occur again,” the statement read. “We remain committed to providing safe, efficient, and reliable service to all our passengers.”
For now, Ms. Ubani remains on bail as the legal process unfolds. She has denied the charges, claiming that her actions were driven by a genuine concern for the safety of her luggage, but her case has already sparked wider discussions about passenger behavior and airline safety in Nigeria.
