A Lagos-bound Air Peace flight was forced to return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following safety concerns over an explosive on board the aircraft.
The Corporate Communications Manager of the carrier, Mr Chris Iwarah, said the pilot aborted the flight after receiving information that there was an explosive on the aircraft.
Iwarah attributed the false information to an intending passenger who was denied boarding after the crew suspected that he might be mentally challenged.
He also added that the aircraft was already on its way to Lagos when the pilot made the return.
“In line with procedures and our high safety standards, the captain-in-command acted professionally, briefed passengers on board and took the decision to return as a precaution” he said. The aircraft landed in Abuja without any incident and passengers disembarked to enable security personnel conduct a check.
Passengers on board the flight were screened a second time and the aircraft thoroughly checked. At the end of the exercise, the information was found to be a hoax as nothing was found on the aircraft.
The aircraft was subsequently cleared to depart for Lagos and safely landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 11.44 a.m.”
The passenger who gave the information has been taken into custody by security operatives for an investigation into the incident.