KWAM3 AVERTED AS ELDERLY PASSENGER REMOVED FROM PLANE AFTER THREATENING TO SLAP FLIGHT ATTENDANT INSIDE PLANE

An elderly man was reportedly removed from a commercial aircraft on Wednesday after he threatened to slap a flight attendant who requested that he change his seat.

The Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, who shared the story online on Wednesday, did not disclose the location of the incident.

He explained that the incident occurred shortly before takeoff when cabin crew asked the passenger to vacate his assigned seat, which was located by the emergency exit.

He noted that, according to aviation safety regulations, only passengers deemed physically fit and willing to assist in the event of an emergency are permitted to sit in those rows.

The statement partly read: “Earlier today, an elderly passenger whose seat selection happened to be by the exit door was asked by cabin crew to have their seat reassigned.

“The passenger vehemently declined despite being made to understand the reasons why the switch had to be made. He threatened twice to slap the hostess.

“As a result, the pilot called in airport security, including the Air Force, to remove the passenger. He (passenger) insisted on speaking with the NCAA Consumer Protection Officers on duty, and they were brought in to deescalate the situation.

“The passenger was advised per the threats made and why he had to be deplaned.”

Achimugu stated that the passenger later calmed down after being cautioned on the seriousness of threatening violence aboard an aircraft. He is expected to be allowed to board an evening flight.

“The pilot insisted on not flying the passenger for safety reasons. Airport security and NCAA officials have led him back to the terminal. He has understood the ramifications of his actions and has calmed down. He will be allowed to board the evening flight later today,” he said.

“May I reiterate that the responsibility of de-escalating potential altercations rests with both cabin crew and passengers, and it is not ideal to threaten or actually hit people aboard an aircraft,” he said.

“Threats of violence against cabin crew are not acceptable. Let us all ensure to keep our skies safe and allow other passengers to enjoy their flying experience,” Achimugu added.

The development follows six days after the NCAA interrogated crew members involved in a controversial Ibom Air incident, in which passenger Comfort Emmanson was forcibly removed from a Lagos flight after a heated altercation with a flight attendant.

Emmanson was also questioned on the second day of the probe.

The incident, which occurred on August 10, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was captured on viral video showing Emmanson striking the air hostess and later confronting security personnel on the tarmac before being escorted into an airport bus.

Ibom Air alleged she breached safety protocols by refusing to switch off her phone, a claim Emmanson and her lawyers denied, insisting she was humiliated and assaulted.

The video sparked widespread outrage, prompting calls from civil society groups, women’s rights advocates, and legal practitioners for an independent investigation.

Separately, on August 5, 2025, Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, was removed from a ValueJet flight from Abuja to Lagos after attempting to bring a flask containing alcohol onboard, claiming it was medication.

He obstructed the aircraft on the tarmac, raising safety concerns. Despite the incident, KWAM 1 was not prosecuted and was later appointed as an aviation security ambassador, with authorities citing his public remorse and framing the role as a form of community service.