Lagos-Bound Passenger Dies Aboard Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi

A passenger aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos has died after becoming unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with the police taking over investigations into the incident.

The passenger, whose identity had yet to be disclosed, reportedly died on Tuesday night after an unsettling episode during the flight.

Kenya Airways said in a statement on Wednesday that the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm, approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled landing.

The airline said: “One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos.”

It added that members of the crew immediately responded by administering first aid and following established emergency procedures.

Kenya Airways said: “Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away.”

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, said the airline’s country manager briefed him on Wednesday morning and confirmed that the police had taken over the matter.

Achimugu said: “The country manager had woken me up this morning to say their own side of the story, and the police will start their own investigations.”

He said the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities denied him entry into the country and that Kenya Airways, having brought him into Nigeria, was expected to return him.

He said: “The country manager said he was picked from Madagascar, after customs had earlier denied him entry into the country, and as expected, the airline that brought him into the country must take him back.”

According to the NCAA official, the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight and allegedly attempted to enter the cockpit before later trying to open the rear door of the aircraft.

Achimugu said the passenger was eventually restrained by having his hands tied behind his back to prevent further disruption and protect those on board.

He said: “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 said the passenger was later brought into Nigeria but was pronounced dead upon arrival.Shop African Art

He said: “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.”

He added that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as the investigation progresses.

Achimugu said: “I know the family may want an autopsy, but that is the current situation.”

Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and said it was cooperating with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators.

The airline said: “We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused.”

It added that it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing the necessary support to the family.

The Airport Command spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Muhammed Adeola, confirmed the incident and said the deceased’s body had been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja.

Adeola said police investigators had also obtained statements from the flight attendants, including the captain.

He said: “Yes, it’s true, and investigations have commenced.

“It’s an issue of an inadmissible passenger, and the said complications arose on their way back.

“He was unable to breathe, and medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed.

“However, upon landing, he was confirmed to have died.

“His body is at a morgue in Ikeja for further investigation.”