‘Thought it was headed to the US’: Desperate stowaway arrested in Ilorin

Aeroplane

Airport security at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin successfully intercepted a suspected stowaway on Wednesday afternoon, preventing a major in-flight security risk.

The individual, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorized access to the tarmac at approximately 1502 hours and attempted to hide himself within the landing gear bay of an Overland aircraft that was preparing for takeoff.

Ground security personnel acted swiftly to apprehend Martins. Preliminary reports indicate the suspect informed investigators that he believed the aircraft was destined for the United States of America.

Michael Achimugu, spokesperson of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),  confirmed the incident in a post on his verified X handle.

He wrote: “At approximately 1502 hours, a male, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorized access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about 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.

“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.”

He stated that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers.

She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay.

She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos.

As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender.

She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies.

Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category.

She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category.

She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations.

Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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