Police nabs 14-year old who attempted stowaway at Lagos airport
Airport Police Command on Monday intercepted a 14-year-old boy identified as Eke Miracle who attempted to stowaway under the belly of an aircraft after gaining entry through a restricted area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
Reports indicated that the minor was discovered on the airport tarmac while attempting to unlawfully gain access beneath an aircraft, an act which constitutes a serious breach of aviation security protocols within a highly sensitive operational environment.
Airport police disclosed that “Preliminary findings indicate that the juvenile unlawfully entered a restricted area of the airport without authorization, contrary to Sections 2 and 3 of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) bylaws, and engaged in actions consistent with a stowaway attempt.”
Confirming the incident, Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Ogunbode Olufunke explained that “Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures.
His parents were promptly notified, and all necessary protocols were observed, including the conduct of the interview process in the presence of his parents. The Command also ensured that the minor was provided with appropriate care, support, and welfare considerations throughout the process.”
The CP reiterated her Command’s unshaken resolve to safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure, describing the airport as a critical national asset that requires strict adherence to security regulations at all times.
While emphasizing that due process will be strictly followed, Ogunbode urged parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance over their children and wards, particularly in relation to movements around restricted and high-risk environments such as airports.
The Command further notes that the case will be handled in accordance with applicable juvenile justice procedures, and the minor will be charged before the appropriate juvenile court.
“The Airport Police Command remains steadfast in its resolve to maintain safety, security, and order within the aviation ecosystem, while upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals, particularly minors,” she told journalists.
