The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has opened an investigation into the forcible removal of a passenger from an Enugu Air flight after he allegedly refused to switch off his mobile phone.
A video circulating on X on Monday showed security operatives escorting the passenger off the aircraft, which was scheduled to depart Enugu for Lagos.
Speaking m on Tuesday, Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, confirmed the probe. She said preliminary findings suggested the incident began when the passenger declined to comply with safety instructions.
“So far, what we have gathered is that a passenger was meant to switch off his mobile phone but he refused to abide by that instruction,” Orah said. “Other passengers also asked him to turn off his phone, and when he refused, security personnel on ground were alerted.”
Orah added that the passenger’s non-compliance unsettled others on board, prompting the pilot to return the aircraft so security could deplane him. “He became unruly and the pilot had to report the matter to the controller,” she said.
The incident comes just weeks after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reinforced its directive that all mobile phones must be completely switched off during take-off and landing. The measure followed another air rage case involving a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
FAAN said it will release full details once the investigation is complete.
Melissa Enoch
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