The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has thrown its weight behind Air Peace’s decision to blacklist three passengers who disrupted a flight from London to Lagos earlier this year. The passengers were accused of disregarding the airline’s rules, causing disturbances, and moving into business class seats without permission, despite having economy class tickets. The action has sparked discussions on the importance of maintaining order and safety on flights.
Mike Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, made the support public on his social media platform. Achimugu noted that the move would serve as a warning to other passengers who might consider misbehaving during flights. “We are glad that the case is now in court, and we support the airline’s decision to blacklist passengers who pose a threat to the safety and security of fellow passengers, crew members, and the aircraft,” Achimugu wrote.
The Incident
The controversy surrounding the unruly passengers began on February 12, 2025, during Air Peace flight P4 7579, which was traveling from London to Lagos. The flight was scheduled to depart London at 8:00 p.m. local time. Passengers aboard the flight were reportedly startled by loud shouts and disruptive behaviour from three men—Adewale Adedigba, 52, Magnis Ashibuogwu, 50, and Iwunze Benjamin, 30.
According to reports, the men were seen shouting at other passengers, causing fear and confusion on board. Their actions were seen as a serious disturbance to the flight, as they disturbed both the passengers and the airline crew. This breach of peace was in violation of Lagos State’s Criminal Laws, specifically Section 168(1)(d), which addresses public disturbances.
However, the situation escalated further when the three passengers moved from their designated economy class seats to the business class section, an area reserved for higher-paying customers. The trio did so without permission or any authorization from the airline staff. This move violated regulations set by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which governs passenger behaviour in aviation spaces. Specifically, the actions went against Section 4(1)(a)(b) of the FAAN Bye-Law 2005, which prohibits passengers from occupying seats outside their designated class.
The situation was brought under control by the flight crew, who immediately reported the incident to authorities once the plane landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Upon arrival, the three men were arrested by airport police, who took them into custody.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The three passengers were arraigned before the Magistrate Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Magisterial District, on Friday, February 15, 2025. The legal proceedings were marked by the seriousness of the charges, which included disruptive behaviour and violation of aviation regulations.
The police accused the three individuals of disturbing public peace, which is a punishable offence under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State. The trio also faced charges related to their unauthorised move to business class, which was seen as an infringement on the airline’s operational rules.
At the court session, the accused passengers did not immediately enter a plea. This led the magistrate to adjourn the case to March 3, 2025, for further hearings. The adjournment gave both the prosecution and the defence time to prepare their cases. Legal experts have stated that if the defendants are found guilty, they could face both fines and possible imprisonment, as the charges carry serious consequences under aviation law.
The prosecution in the case is led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Oladipupo Taiwo, who has called for strict enforcement of aviation regulations in order to discourage similar incidents in the future. SP Taiwo’s stance is supported by the NCAA, which continues to monitor developments closely.
NCAA’s Position on Aviation Safety
The NCAA, as Nigeria’s regulatory body for civil aviation, plays a key role in ensuring that safety, security, and order are maintained in the aviation sector. The incident with Air Peace flight P4 7579 highlights the importance of adhering to both airline rules and national laws governing air travel.
According to Achimugu, the NCAA has long been advocating for better behaviour among airline passengers. “Unruly behaviour aboard flights not only endangers the safety of the aircraft, but it also disrupts the comfort and peace of other passengers,” he stated. By supporting Air Peace’s decision to blacklist the disruptive passengers, the NCAA aims to send a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
The issue of unruly passengers has become a growing concern for airlines worldwide. Incidents of passengers refusing to follow instructions, engaging in violent or disruptive behaviour, or ignoring seating assignments are becoming more frequent. In response, many airlines are adopting stricter measures, including blacklisting offenders to prevent them from flying with the airline in the future. This approach is intended to protect the safety and well-being of other passengers and airline staff.
Air Peace’s Commitment to Passenger Safety
Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s largest and most popular airlines, has made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of misconduct on its flights. The airline’s management has publicly stated its commitment to upholding safety standards and maintaining order on all its flights, whether domestic or international.
The airline’s decision to blacklist the three passengers is in line with this commitment. According to Air Peace, passengers who engage in disruptive behaviour or endanger the safety of others will face serious consequences. In addition to legal action, the airline will also prevent the offenders from flying with them in the future. This policy is intended to act as a deterrent to anyone thinking of causing trouble aboard an Air Peace flight.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some passengers have expressed support for the airline’s decision, citing the importance of ensuring that rules are followed to maintain safety during flights. Others have expressed concern about how such incidents could affect Nigeria’s reputation in the international aviation community.
However, many Nigerians agree that the safety of passengers should always come first, and they support the NCAA’s decision to back Air Peace in its efforts to uphold order on flights.
