A passenger aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja was arrested on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after allegedly stealing ₦290,000 from a foreign traveller moments before takeoff.
The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m., shortly after passengers had completed boarding. According to eyewitnesses, the foreign national raised the alarm after discovering that cash he had kept in his overhead cabin bag was missing.
Cabin crew members immediately intervened, and another passenger claimed to have seen the suspect tampering with the foreigner’s luggage earlier. The accused denied the allegation, but tensions rose when an initial search of his hand luggage yielded nothing.
As pressure mounted from other passengers, a more thorough search was conducted. Witnesses said the suspect became visibly nervous, leading to a body and seat inspection during which the missing cash was allegedly discovered — partly hidden in his socks and partly tucked under his seat.
Airport security personnel were alerted, and the suspect was escorted off the aircraft before being handed over to aviation authorities for investigation.
Ibom Air’s spokesperson, Annie Essienette, later confirmed the incident, commending the swift action of the cabin crew and security operatives in restoring calm. She added that while the suspect remains in police custody, the victim has declined to press charges.
The brief commotion delayed the flight’s departure, but operations resumed shortly afterward, and the aircraft continued its journey to Abuja without further disruption.
