Metro

Irate Passenger Escapes Lynching After Blocking Abuja-bound Flight

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2025

Editor

An unnamed female passenger narrowly escaped being lynched by angry passengers at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo after she blocked an Ibom Air flight from departing for Abuja.

The flight, scheduled to carry 100 passengers, including the crew, was delayed due to the passenger’s actions, as revealed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu.

According to Achimugu, the issue began when the airline informed passengers that luggage exceeding 20kg might not arrive on the same flight but on the next available one. While passengers initially agreed to this arrangement, the woman became furious upon discovering her bag had not been loaded onto the aircraft.

The irate passenger disembarked and demanded that her bag be loaded immediately, threatening to prevent the flight from taking off otherwise.

Attempts by officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Aviation Security, and the pilot to mediate proved unsuccessful.

The NCAA spokesperson added, “The pilot even offered to carry her checked-in bag in the cabin, but the size was unsuitable. Uyo is a sunset airport, and the airspace was due to close, making timely departure critical. Despite this, the passenger refused to cooperate.”

REASD ALSO: NAMA Begins Calibration Of Landing Equipment At Ekiti Airport

At one point, the woman re-entered the cabin to retrieve her handbag but instead blocked the aisle, continuing her protest. Among the other 89 passengers were an infant and a chef travelling to fulfil a professional engagement in Abuja.

The situation escalated when the airspace eventually closed, forcing the flight’s cancellation. Passengers, visibly enraged, charged at the woman, but swift intervention by AVSEC officials and Ibom Air personnel, led by Amaka Echetabu, prevented violence.

“Had Aviation Security not acted promptly, the unruly passenger might have been lynched. Their timely response saved her life,” Achimugu noted.

In the meantime, the delayed passengers were provided with refreshments, transportation for Uyo residents, and hotel accommodation for those travelling from outside the city. However, Achimugu lamented that the disruption caused scheduling challenges for the airline that might take days to resolve.
PUNCH

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.