chinedu Eze in Lagos and Okon Bassey in Uyo
The Aviation Security (AVSEC) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday apprehended a passenger for stealing another passenger’s laptop at the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, known as MMA2.
Ogeneochuko David, was arrested for stealing the laptop of another passenger from a bag kept in the overhead locker during the boarding of Ibom Air Flight Q1300 to Abuja.
A statement from the airline disclosed that the owner of the laptop had suspected the movement of the said David and decided to check where his laptop was kept.
Immediately he realised that his laptop was no longer there, he raised the alarm by notifying the crew members accordingly.
Reacting to the report, the cabin crew conducted a search, which revealed that David was in custody of the laptop.
He was immediately taken out of the aircraft and handed over to the AVSEC officials who subsequently handed him over to the police for further investigation.
The incident delayed the flight’s take off by 30 minutes.
According to Ibom Air, the police confirmed that the suspect was a member of a large syndicate specialising in stealing onboard aircraft.
The owner of the laptop (name withheld) voluntarily discontinued his trip to assist with the investigation and promised to follow up with the case to its logical conclusion.
“In line with our corporate policy, Ibom Air has zero tolerance for this sort of criminal activity on board our flights and will prosecute any offenders to the full extent of the law,” said the General Manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette.
She recalled that one Kingsley Chinsunum, was alleged to have stolen the sum of N100,000.00 from a wallet kept inside a bag in the overhead bin while on board Ibom Air flight 4150 at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal two Ikeja on May 31, 2023.
“He has since been charged to court and is presently facing trial at the Ikeja Magisterial District. Not too long ago, a passenger, one Mr. Adebayi Adelugba, staged the stealing of his own checked-in bag and declared it missing, accusing the airline of negligence amidst threats of litigation, but for CCTV footage which caught him in the act.
“He was convicted of the crime of threat against Ibom Air, disturbance of public peace, and lies at the Ogba Magistrate court in Lagos, where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two weeks imprisonment and a fine.
“The report of an increase in stealing onboard aircraft highlights the importance of passengers to be extra vigilant and attentive to their belongings during flights. Following instructions from the crew members and taking necessary precautions can help minimize such incidents.
“Passengers are therefore encouraged to report any suspicious activities they observe during their flights to the crew members immediately, as early intervention can prevent potential thefts and ensure a safer travel experience for everyone on board,” she said.
