The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that a passenger who died onboard a Kenya Airways flight had earlier been declared inadmissible and denied entry into Madagascar. The passenger was deported back to Nigeria through Nairobi, Kenya. According to the NCAA, the passenger became aggressive while being questioned by security personnel in Nairobi but later calmed down and indicated he was fit to continue his journey.
The passenger boarded the Kenya Airways flight, but began manifesting unusual behavior after the aircraft became airborne, leading to the incident that preceded his death. The NCAA's Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the Nigerian Police Force had taken over the investigation into the passenger's death. Efforts are being made to identify and interview passengers who witnessed the incident.
The corpse is currently at a morgue, and the Nigerian Police are investigating the incident. The police need to corroborate the airline's report with accounts from passengers who witnessed the incident. Achimugu stated that the police are working to locate witnesses and that the airline has been instructed to reach out to the family of the deceased through the registered next of kin.
The passenger's movements before the incident revealed that he was declared inadmissible and denied entry into Madagascar, leading to his deportation to Nigeria. He was routed through Nairobi during his return journey. According to Achimugu, the passenger became aggressive at some point in Nairobi while being questioned by security personnel but later calmed down.
The NCAA spokesman said the authority would await the outcome of the police investigation and accounts from witnesses before issuing a comprehensive statement on the incident. The airline has been directed to contact the deceased's family through his registered next of kin. Achimugu stated that they are making efforts to do so.
The incident has raised concerns about passenger safety and the vetting process for travelers. The NCAA's disclosure of the passenger's inadmissibility in Madagascar has sparked questions about how he was allowed to board the flight. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The NCAA will issue a statement after receiving reports from the police and witnesses. The airline will continue to cooperate with the authorities to determine the cause of the incident. Key details of the incident remain under investigation.
Key points
- The passenger was declared inadmissible in Madagascar and deported back to Nigeria through Nairobi.
- The Nigerian Police Force has taken over the investigation into the passenger's death.
- The NCAA will await the outcome of the police investigation before issuing a comprehensive statement.
