Passenger arrested on Ibom Air for allegedly stealing ₦290,000 from foreigner

By Obasola Olatunde

A passenger aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja was arrested on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, for allegedly stealing ₦290,000 from a foreign traveler shortly before takeoff.

The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. after all passengers had completed boarding.

The alarm was raised when the foreign traveler discovered that cash kept in his bag in the overhead luggage compartment was missing. 

Cabin crew members swiftly intervened, and an on-the-spot investigation began. Another passenger reportedly told the crew that he had earlier seen the suspect tampering with the foreigner’s bag.

An initial search of the suspect’s hand luggage yielded nothing, but tension rose when passengers suggested a body search. Witnesses reported that the suspect became visibly uneasy, prompting further checks during which the missing cash was allegedly found hidden in his socks and under his seat.

Aviation security officials were immediately alerted. The suspect was escorted off the aircraft and handed over to airport authorities for further interrogation. The incident caused a brief delay before the flight eventually departed for Abuja after normalcy was restored.