Passenger Dies Aboard Kenya Airways Flight to Lagos as Police Open Probe

By: Tunji Okunlola

A passenger travelling from Nairobi to Lagos on a Kenya Airways flight has died after an unsettling episode on board. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says police have taken over the inquiry into what happened.

The passenger’s identity has not been made public. He reportedly stopped responding shortly before the aircraft touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday night, 6 October.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kenya Airways said the emergency began at about 9:20 pm, around 20 minutes before the scheduled landing. The airline said its crew responded at once with first aid and followed standard emergency procedures.

The aircraft landed at 9:41 pm and was met by medical staff, who examined the passenger and confirmed that he had died, according to the airline.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Michael Achimugu said the airline’s country manager briefed him on Wednesday morning and that the matter is now in the hands of the police. He said the country manager had given the airline’s version of events, and that police would run their own investigation.

According to Achimugu, the passenger had been picked up in Madagascar after customs authorities there refused him entry. As the carrier that brought him in, Kenya Airways was obliged to take him back, he explained.

Achimugu alleged that during the flight the passenger became restless and aggressive, tried to enter the cockpit and later tried to open the rear door. He said the man’s hands were tied behind his back to stop further disruption and keep everyone on board safe.

The passenger was flown on to Nigeria and pronounced dead on arrival, Achimugu said. He declined to pre-empt the police inquiry, noting only that officers had taken over for now, and added that the family might ask for an autopsy.

Kenya Airways offered its condolences to the passenger’s family and friends and apologised for any inconvenience caused. It said it was working with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators, and was respecting the privacy and dignity of everyone involved.

Muhammed Adeola, spokesperson for the Police Airport Command, confirmed the incident and said the body had been taken to a morgue while investigations continue. Police have recorded statements from the cabin crew and the captain.

Adeola described the case as one involving an inadmissible passenger, with complications arising on the return trip. He said the man had difficulty breathing, medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed, and he was confirmed dead after touchdown.

The investigation is expected to clarify what happened on board and how the passenger died.

Editor’s note

The allegations about the passenger’s behaviour and restraint come from the NCAA official, relaying the airline country manager’s account. Kenya Airways’ own statement refers only to a medical emergency. The cause of death has not been established, and the police investigation is ongoing.