An Air Peace flight scheduled to travel from Abuja to Asaba was forced to return to the ramp on Monday, November 9, 2026, following a disruptive incident involving an unruly passenger.
The incident occurred shortly before takeoff when a passenger identified as Celestine Ezeudu allegedly refused repeated instructions from cabin crew members to stop taking photographs and put away his mobile phone.
The situation reportedly escalated into an argument when another crew member approached him to enforce the instructions.
In a post on X, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), disclosed that Ezeudu made a threatening remark during the confrontation.
According to Achimugu, the passenger declared: “The anger I am feeling can burn down this plane.”
Following the statement, the cabin crew immediately alerted the captain, who aborted the takeoff procedure and initiated a safe return to the ramp at 1557 hours.
Upon the aircraft’s return to the gate, Ezeudu reportedly complied with instructions to disembark without further physical resistance.
His friend, who was also travelling on the flight, equally decided to leave the aircraft voluntarily in solidarity with him.
During subsequent questioning, Ezeudu reportedly explained that his outburst was caused by frustration after missing an earlier flight that same day.
He also claimed that he did not expect his behaviour to disrupt the entire aircraft’s departure.
