Air Peace offloads passenger who allegedly threatened his anger could 'burn down' plane

An Air Peace flight to Asaba, Delta State, returned to the ramp before take-off after a passenger allegedly threatened the crew.
What happened
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority's director of public affairs and consumer protection, Michael Achimugu, who described the incident on X on Monday, 9 November 2026, the trouble began when the passenger refused repeated requests from cabin crew to stop taking photographs and put his device away. During the dispute, he allegedly said his anger could 'burn down' the plane. The crew reported the threat to the captain, who ordered the aircraft back to the ramp at 3.57pm, and the passenger was offloaded. His travelling companion also chose to leave the plane.
The passenger's explanation
Achimugu said the passenger cooperated during the offloading. The man later told authorities that his frustration had built up after he missed an earlier flight, and that he had no intention of causing harm.
Background
Under aviation rules, passengers must follow the instructions of cabin crew, and threats of any kind on board are treated seriously.
- The passenger refused to stop taking photos.
- He allegedly said his anger could 'burn down' the plane.
- The captain returned the aircraft to the ramp.