Security operatives at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday arrested a suspected stowaway who attempted to hide beneath an aircraft preparing for takeoff, authorities have confirmed.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Segun Martins, was apprehended around 3.02 p.m. after gaining unauthorized access to the airside and positioning himself at the foot of an Overland Airways aircraft that was taxiing for departure.
According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu, who disclosed the incident on his verified X handle, Martins attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft’s tyres in a desperate move to flee the country.
He was subsequently handed over to operatives of the Airport Police Command for interrogation and further investigation.
Achimugu said, “At approximately 1502 hours, a male, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorized access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about taxi for takeoff and attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres.
“Ground security apprehended the individual. He was immediately handed over to the Airport Police for further investigation.
“Mr. Segun Martins stated that he believed the aircraft was bound for the United States of America and intended to escape by hiding on the aircraft.”
Achimugu added that investigations are ongoing.
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