The Ikeja Magistrate District Court in Lagos has postponed proceedings in the case against three Air Peace passengers, accused of causing a disturbance on a London-Lagos flight, until March 3, 2025.
According to a statement released on Monday by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, the spokesperson for Air Peace, the case was adjourned on Friday, pending further hearing. The accused individuals have been identified as Adewale Adedigba, 52, Magnis Ashibuogwu, 50, and Iwunze Benjamin, 30.
The charges date back to an incident that occurred on February 12, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m. onboard Flight No. P4 7579. Reports indicate that the defendants engaged in unruly behavior by shouting at the top of their voices, an act that resulted in significant panic and disruption among both passengers and crew members. The incident was serious enough to prompt police involvement, with authorities citing a breach of public peace under Section 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Further allegations against the suspects include their unauthorized movement from their originally assigned economy class seats to the business class section. This act, deemed unlawful under Section 4(1)(a)(b) of the FAAN Bye-Law 2005, necessitated prompt action by airline staff, who reported the disturbance upon the aircraft’s arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja.
Following their apprehension by airport police, the trio was formally charged and subsequently brought before the court under the jurisdiction of the Airport Command. The prosecution, led by Oladipupo Taiwo, has emphasized the need for stringent adherence to aviation regulations, arguing that firm action is essential to deter similar incidents in the future.
During the court session, the magistrate noted that the defendants’ pleas had not been recorded immediately, which led to the decision to adjourn the case until March 3, 2025. This postponement will allow both the prosecution and defense additional time to prepare their arguments. Should the defendants be found guilty, they could face penalties that range from fines to imprisonment.
Air Peace has stated that this case highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of in-flight conduct regulations within Nigeria’s aviation sector. In addition, industry experts have called for greater awareness and compliance among passengers to ensure safety and comfort during air travel.
The forthcoming hearing is anticipated to not only determine the fate of the accused but also to serve as a precedent for handling future cases involving disruptive behavior on flights.
