Two Passengers Docked In Ikeja Over Alleged Smoking, Causing Panic On Air Peace Flight

The defendants, Enaruna Prince Aghama, 51, and Tony Ajayi, 43, were charged before the Ikeja Magisterial District on a two-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on July 9, 2026 at about 7:44pm while onboard Air Peace flight No. P47669 from South Africa to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

In Count 1, the prosecution alleged that the two men behaved in an unruly and disorderly manner by smoking cigarettes while on board the aircraft. The prosecution said the act triggered the emergency alarm system and caused panic among passengers and crew members. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 9 (c) and (2) of the FAAN Bye-Law, 2025.

In Count 2, they were also accused of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by smoking in the aircraft and behaving in an unruly and disorderly manner while the flight was in progress. The offence is contrary to Section 168 (1)(d) and punishable under Section 168 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

The charge was prosecuted by Inspector Adeitan Oluwabunmi. The Divisional Crime Officer, DSP Ajoke Adesina, from the International Airport Division, Ikeja signed the charge on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

When the matter was called, Prosecutor, Inspector Adeitan Oluwabunmi, asked the Court for a hearing date to enable the Police to prove the allegations against the defendants.

The presiding Magistrate, M.A. Agbaje, after listening to the prosecution, granted the defendants bail to be determined by the Court with two sureties.

The Magistrate ruled that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, with their addresses verified by the Court.

However, the defendants were remanded in custody in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending perfection of their bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned for mention to enable the prosecution to present its case.

Aviation security experts say smoking on board commercial aircraft is a serious violation because aircraft are equipped with sensitive smoke detectors that automatically trigger alarms. Such alarms can lead to emergency protocols, diversion of flights, and panic among passengers. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, have maintained a zero-tolerance policy on smoking and other disruptive conduct on flights.

Legal observers noted that Section 9 of the FAAN Bye-Law 2025 specifically prohibits acts that endanger safety or disrupt operations within airport facilities and aircraft. Section 168 of the Lagos Criminal Law also addresses public conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Aviation stakeholders and frequent travelers have welcomed the prosecution, saying it sends a strong message that disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated in Nigeria’s airspace. They stressed that compliance with cabin safety rules is critical to protecting all passengers and crew.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has repeatedly warned passengers that smoking, vaping, and tampering with smoke detectors on board are criminal offences. Airlines also make pre-flight announcements reminding passengers that such actions can lead to arrest, prosecution, and blacklisting.

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport remains one of Nigeria’s busiest gateways, with thousands of international and domestic flights monthly. Authorities say maintaining order and safety on board is a shared responsibility between airlines, security agencies, and airline passengers.

The International Airport Police Command said it will continue to work with FAAN, NCAA, and airline operators to ensure strict enforcement of aviation safety laws. Passengers have been urged to report any form of unruly behavior to cabin crew immediately.

Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.