A passenger was apprehended on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja on October 8, 2025, for allegedly stealing ₦290,000 from a foreign traveler shortly before takeoff. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. after boarding was completed.
Eyewitnesses reported that the foreign passenger raised an alarm upon discovering the cash missing from his bag stored in the overhead compartment. The cabin crew initiated an investigation, during which another passenger claimed to have seen the suspect tampering with the victim’s bag. When confronted, the suspect denied any wrongdoing.
As tensions escalated, a search of the suspect’s hand luggage yielded no initial findings, but a suggestion for a body search prompted visible nervousness from the suspect. A more thorough search eventually revealed the missing cash hidden in his socks and beneath his seat.
Airport security was notified, and the suspect was removed from the aircraft and handed over to airport authorities for further action. The incident caused shock and disappointment among passengers, but the flight later departed for Abuja after the situation was resolved. Ibom Air has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
