Nigeria: Unruly Passenger Who Disrupted Flight Operations Charged To Court

Chiamaka Don Ubani, the passenger responsible for disrupting Ibom Air flight Q1528, has been formally charged by the Nigeria Police on two counts related to her actions that delayed the aircraft’s departure.

The charges come after she allegedly obstructed the aircraft’s door from closing, halting the flight from taking off as scheduled.

According to the charges, Ubani intentionally and maliciously prevented the aircraft door from closing, thus causing a significant delay in the flight’s departure, an offense punishable under section 436 of the criminal code of Akwa Ibom State.

Additionally, she was charged with creating a public nuisance by hindering the timely departure of the flight, which caused inconvenience to the passengers and the general public, an offense punishable under section 196(1)(f) of the criminal code.

Ubani was granted bail on Friday, January 10, and will return to the Uyo Magistrate Court for a hearing on February 4. The incident, which occurred at the airport terminal, has raised concerns about passenger behavior and its impact on flight operations.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) expressed strong disapproval of the incident. “The actions of Ms. Ubani were not only disruptive but also dangerous, as they endangered the safety and punctuality of the flight. We cannot allow such behavior to go unchecked, as it affects not only the flight crew but also innocent passengers who depend on timely services,” he said.

He further urged all passengers to uphold proper conduct while traveling. “We urge all passengers to respect the rules and regulations set in place to ensure a smooth and safe air travel experience for all. Unruly behavior, whether on the ground or in the air, will not be tolerated”.

The NCAA has also reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety and order in air travel, urging travelers to report any incidents to the appropriate authorities. “It is crucial that we all work together to maintain a secure and efficient travel environment,” Achimugu added.