Air Peace removes passenger after threat to burn plane forces ramp return

Air Peace eliminated a passenger from one in all its plane after his threat to burn the plane prompted the captain to return it to the airport ramp earlier than take-off.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) disclosed this in an incident report shared on X by Michael Achimugu, its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, on Monday, November 9, 2026.

The incident concerned Air Peace flight P47866, which was scheduled to fly to Asaba, Delta State.

The plane returned to the ramp following an altercation between the passenger and cabin crew over the usage of a cell system.

Air Peace removes passenger after plane threat

According to the NCAA report, the passenger, recognized as Celestine Ezeudu, refused directions from cabin crew members to cease taking footage and put away his system whereas the plane was getting ready for take-off.

The scenario escalated when a second crew member approached him, main to an altercation throughout which Ezeudu allegedly threatened the plane.

• “The passenger ignored the instructions and when a second member of the crew approached, an altercation broke out, and the passenger made a statement: ‘The anger I am feeling can burn down this plane,’” Achimugu acknowledged within the report.

Following the threat, the crew alerted the captain, who initiated a ramp return at 15:57 hours.

• “The crew immediately alerted the captain, who then initiated a ramp return at 1557HRS. The passenger complied with instructions to be removed from the aircraft without further struggle,” the report added.

Ezeudu subsequently disembarked, whereas his pal and co-traveller additionally voluntarily left the flight in solidarity with him. The report stated Ezeudu later attributed his anger to lacking an earlier flight, though he reportedly stated he didn’t realise his behaviour would trigger the plane to return to the ramp.

Previous passenger incidents on Nigerian airways

The newest incident follows different instances involving passenger conduct and aviation security in Nigeria, together with confrontations with airline crew and airport personnel.

• In August 2025, Ibom Air imposed a lifetime journey ban on passenger Comfort Emmanson following an incident involving the alleged assault of cabin crew and safety personnel after a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
• The airline stated the disagreement started when Emmanson refused directions to swap off her cell phone earlier than take-off on August 10, 2025.
• Although the flight departed after the preliminary disagreement was resolved, the scenario reportedly escalated after touchdown on the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. Emmanson allegedly attacked the lead cabin crew member, tore off her wig, eliminated her glasses and repeatedly slapped her.

She additionally allegedly assaulted one other crew member and airport safety personnel earlier than being restrained and handed over to the police.

Ibom Air reported the incident to the NCAA and introduced a lifetime ban. However, the airline later withdrew its complaint, leading to Emmanson’s discharge by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on August 13, 2025. The airline subsequently lifted the ban.

Kwam 1 incident raises aviation security issues

Another incident occurred on August 5, 2025, when Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly generally known as Kwam 1, allegedly obstructed a ValueJet plane getting ready to depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The incident occurred throughout boarding for ValueJet flight VK201 to Lagos, following a disagreement over a flask containing liquid exceeding the permitted 100ml restrict.

• According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Kwam 1 allegedly refused repeated directions from aviation safety officers and the flight captain to adjust to airport security rules.
• He reportedly spilled the contents of the flask, later recognized as alcohol, on a safety officer earlier than the confrontation escalated.
• After boarding was accomplished and the plane doorways had been closed, he reportedly moved in entrance of the plane and prevented it from taxiing in the direction of the runway. Airport safety personnel subsequently eliminated him from the tarmac.

Following the incident, the NCAA petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to examine and prosecute him, whereas Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo directed that he be positioned on a no-fly checklist.

However, on August 13, 2025, Keyamo announced a review of the sanctions following Kwam 1’s public apology. His flight ban was lowered to one month, whereas the NCAA was directed to withdraw its prison grievance.

FAAN was additionally directed to work in the direction of participating the musician as an envoy for correct airport safety protocol, a voluntary and unpaid function supposed to discourage related violations.