Police Probe Mysterious Death on Kenya Airways Flight to Lagos

A passenger aboard a Kenya Airways flight destined for Lagos from Nairobi tragically passed away shortly after experiencing an unsettling incident during the journey. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force has taken over the investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

The unfortunate event unfolded on Tuesday night when the unnamed passenger on the Kenya Airways flight became unresponsive approximately twenty minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Kenya Airways, in a statement released on Wednesday, indicated that the medical emergency occurred around 9:20 PM.

“One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos,” the airline stated. According to Kenya Airways, their crew members immediately initiated first aid procedures and diligently followed established emergency protocols. Upon the flight's touchdown at 9:41 PM, medical personnel were on standby to attend to the passenger, and after further examination, they confirmed the individual's death.

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, revealed that he was briefed on the incident by the airline’s country manager on Wednesday morning. He emphasized that the police have now taken charge of the matter. Achimugu explained that the deceased passenger had been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities there had previously denied him entry into the country. As per aviation regulations, Kenya Airways, being the airline that transported him, was responsible for his return.

Achimugu further disclosed that the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight. Reports indicate he allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit and later tried to open a rear door of the aircraft. To prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of other passengers and crew members, the passenger's hands were restrained behind his back. “When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive inside the aircraft, wanted to enter the cockpit and later wanted to open the rear door, but was later tied down. His hands were tied to his back to ensure that he stopped the troubles,” Achimugu was quoted as saying.

Despite these measures, the passenger was declared dead upon the aircraft's arrival in Nigeria. “But when he got to Nigeria, he was declared dead on arrival. I don’t want to preempt the police investigation, but they have taken it over for now,” Achimugu added. He also noted that the deceased’s family might request an autopsy as the investigation progresses. “I know the family may want an autopsy, but that is the current situation,” he said.

Kenya Airways has extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused by the incident. The airline affirmed its commitment to cooperating with the family, local authorities, and aviation regulators, while respecting the privacy and dignity of all involved. The ongoing police investigation is anticipated to provide clearer insights into the events leading up to the passenger's death. When contacted for comment, Muhammed Adeola, spokesperson for the Airport command of the Nigeria Police Force, promised to provide an update but had not done so by press time.