An Air Peace flight bound for Asaba was forced to return to the ramp on Monday, November 9, 2026, after a passenger allegedly threatened that his anger could “burn down” the aircraft during a confrontation with cabin crew.
The incident occurred on flight P47866 as the aircraft prepared for departure. According to Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the passenger, identified as Celestine Ezeudu, repeatedly ignored instructions from cabin crew to stop taking pictures and put away his mobile device.
The situation escalated when another crew member intervened, leading to an altercation. During the exchange, Ezeudu allegedly said, “The anger I am feeling can burn down this plane.”
The cabin crew immediately alerted the captain, who ordered the aircraft back to the ramp at 3:57 p.m. Ezeudu was subsequently removed from the flight after complying with instructions to disembark without further resistance.
The NCAA said the passenger’s travelling companion also chose to leave the aircraft voluntarily. The development delayed the flight’s departure to Asaba, Delta State.
The situation reportedly escalated when another crew member approached Ezeudu, leading to an altercation during which the passenger allegedly made a disturbing statement.
“The anger I am feeling can burn down this plane,” Ezeudu was quoted as saying.
Achimugu said the cabin crew immediately alerted the pilot, who initiated a return to the ramp at 3:57 pm to facilitate the passenger’s removal from the aircraft.
He added that Ezeudu complied with instructions to disembark without further resistance.
The passenger’s friend, who was travelling with him on the same flight, also voluntarily disembarked in solidarity with him.
According to the NCAA official, Ezeudu later explained in the airport’s crime room that his anger stemmed from missing an earlier flight. However, he reportedly admitted that he had not anticipated that his conduct would force the aircraft to return to the ramp.
The incident once again highlights the problem of unruly passenger behaviour in Nigeria’s aviation sector and the potential consequences for flight operations and passenger safety.
The NCAA has repeatedly warned air travellers against conduct that could compromise the safety of aircraft, crew members and fellow passengers.
The aviation regulator has maintained that pilots should not proceed with take-off until unruly passengers have been removed or any safety concerns have been adequately addressed. It has also warned that threats, intimidation and interference with cabin crew duties will not be tolerated.
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