A passenger travelling from Nairobi to Lagos on a Kenya Airways flight has died after reportedly becoming unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirming that the police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death.
Kenya Airways said the passenger became unresponsive at about 9:20 pm, roughly 20 minutes before the scheduled landing.
The airline said its crew responded immediately by administering first aid and following the required emergency procedures.
According to the airline, the aircraft landed in Lagos at about 9:41pm and medical personnel who boarded the plane confirmed that the passenger had died.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said the passenger had reportedly been picked up in Madagascar after being denied entry by customs authorities.
Achimugu explained that Kenya Airways was responsible for returning the passenger because it had transported him into the country.
He said the passenger allegedly became disruptive during the flight, attempting to gain access to the cockpit and later trying to open the aircraft’s rear door.
“When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive inside the aircraft, wanted to enter the cockpit and later wanted to open the rear door, but was later tied down.”
Achimugu said the passenger’s hands were restrained to prevent further disruption and protect other people on board.
He, however, said the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death should not be pre-judged as the police investigation was ongoing.
“But when he got to Nigeria, he was declared dead on arrival. I don’t want to preempt the police investigation, but they have taken it over for now.”
He added that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as part of the investigation.
The Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Muhammed Adeola, said the passenger developed complications while the aircraft was returning to Nigeria and was reported to have experienced difficulty breathing.
“Yes, it’s true, and investigations have commenced. It’s an issue of an inadmissible passenger, and the said complications arose on their way back.”
Adeola said medical personnel were alerted before the aircraft landed but confirmed the passenger’s death after arrival.
He added that the body had been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja, while police had obtained statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain.
“His body is at a morgue in Ikeja for further investigation.”
Meanwhile, Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities.
The airline said it was also working with the family and aviation regulators while respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved.
