Mike Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has said that preventing an aircraft from taking off is regarded as an act of terrorism in many parts of the world.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Achimugu addressed the alleged unruly behaviour of Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.
He emphasised that air passengers are expected to treat airport officials with respect and adhere to their instructions at all times.
Achimugu said, “Your first responsibility at airport is respect and obey instructions from the officials on ground. The passenger (KWAM 1) has not done that.”
“What he did in most climes is considered terrorism. You cannot stop an aircraft from taking off. There is nothing that excuses it.”
The NCAA spokesperson noted that investigations are underway to determine how KWAM 1 gained access to the restricted area where the disruption took place, adding that everyone found culpable will face appropriate sanctions.
He further explained that the probe will involve collaboration between aviation agencies, including Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Aviation Security Service (AVSEC), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
He added, “Did the air traffic control clear the pilot to fly seeing that it was not safe for her to proceed? All of these questions will be answered during the course of the investigation.”
