After causing disruptions to flight operations in Abuja and engaging airport officials in a combative manner, a French passenger without a Nigerian visa has been sedated and deported to his home country via Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
The passenger, who arrived in Nigeria on an Air France flight two days prior, was denied entry upon discovery that he did not possess a valid visa. His unruly behaviour at the airport raised security and diplomatic concerns, prompting immigration officers to remove him from the Air France flight and restrict his access to the boarding area.
In a statement on his X handle, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, confirmed on Friday that the passenger had been sedated by medical professionals and successfully returned to France.
“Examined by a doctor and placed on a sedative, the unruly French national has finally boarded an Air France flight to CDG, Paris,” Achimugu wrote.
“I was physically present to witness his boarding at 10 pm on Thursday, along with the very capable terminal head, Miriam Anosike, who did a yeoman’s job in this case, Ifueko Abdulmalik, and gallant men of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” he continued.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Abuja airport immigration commander, Achimugu stated, “I must mention that the Immigration Commander at the airport, Mr. Agada, was very cooperative. His willingness to collaborate was the glue that held all of this together.”
He further noted that precautions were taken to ensure the passenger’s behaviour remained under control during the flight. “We advised the airline to let the cabin crew have some of the administered sedatives in case the passenger displays any disruptive behaviour during the course of the flight,” he added.
Achimugu commended the efforts of all parties involved, saying, “Kudos to both the NCAA, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Air France station manager who did an amazing job of attending to the passengers.”
This incident highlights the vigilance of airport authorities and immigration services in upholding entry regulations while maintaining the safety and security of operations.
