The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched an investigation into the removal of a passenger from an Enugu Air flight after he allegedly refused to switch off his mobile phone before departure.
A video circulating on X on Monday showed security operatives escorting the passenger off the aircraft, which was scheduled to fly from Enugu to Lagos.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying preliminary findings indicated 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 explained. “Other passengers also asked him to turn off his phone, and when he refused, security personnel on ground were alerted.”
She said the passenger’s behaviour unsettled others on board, forcing the pilot to return the aircraft so security operatives could escort him out.
The incident occurred weeks after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reiterated its directive that all mobile phones must be switched off during take-off and landing, following a similar air rage case on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
FAAN said details of the investigation will be made public once concluded.
