There was unexpected commotion aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after a passenger was apprehended for allegedly stealing N290,000 from a foreign traveller shortly before departure.
The disturbance began around 7:00 a.m., moments after boarding was completed. Witnesses said the foreign passenger suddenly shouted for help upon realising that the money he had placed inside a bag in the overhead compartment had disappeared.
Flight attendants quickly stepped in to investigate. Another traveller reportedly claimed to have seen a fellow passenger fiddling with the foreigner’s bag. The accused denied touching it, insisting he was innocent.
Despite his denial, the foreign passenger maintained that his cash was missing. A search of the suspect’s luggage revealed nothing at first, but tension mounted when someone suggested a personal search.
Observers said the man began sweating and acting uneasy, which led to a more detailed search. The missing cash was then discovered tucked inside his socks and partly concealed under his seat.
Security officials were called to the aircraft, and the suspect was removed and handed over to airport authorities for further questioning. The incident left many passengers alarmed and embarrassed.
After the matter was resolved, the flight eventually took off for Abuja. Ibom Air had not issued an official comment on the event as of press time.
