Security operatives at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday apprehended a suspected stowaway attempting to smuggle himself out of the country by hiding beneath a departing aircraft.
The suspect, identified as Segun Martins, was caught at exactly 3.02 p.m. after gaining unauthorised access to the restricted airside area of the airport.
Authorities said Martins was found at the base of an Overland Airways aircraft as it was taxiing for takeoff.
On his verified 𝕏 handle, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Michael Achimugu, disclosed that the suspect had tried to conceal himself between the aircraft’s tyres in a desperate bid to escape the country.
He confirmed that the man was immediately arrested and handed over to personnel of the Airport Police Command for interrogation and further investigation.
Achimugu said, “At approximately 1502 hours, a male, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorised access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about to taxi for takeoff and attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres.
“Ground security apprehended the individual. He was immediately handed over to the Airport Police for further investigation.
“Mr Segun Martins stated that he believed the aircraft was bound for the United States of America and intended to escape by hiding on the aircraft.”
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