Man Arrested in Ilorin for Hiding Between Plane Tyres to Flee Nigeria

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has detained a man, Segun Martins, after he attempted to stow away on an Overland Airways flight at the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara state.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA director of public affairs and consumer protection, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident happened at about 3:02 pm on Wednesday.

Achimugu said the incident occurred when Martins allegedly breached airside security and made his way to the foot of the aircraft, preparing to taxi for take-off.

He noted that the suspect tried to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres.

Achimugu said he was immediately apprehended by ground security personnel and handed over to the airport police division for investigation.

He noted that Martins told investigators during a preliminary finding that he believed the aircraft was headed for the United States and had hoped to leave the country by hiding in the plane’s undercarriage.