Police investigate passenger’s death on Kenya Airways Nairobi–Lagos flight

Police are investigating the death of a passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos on Tuesday night after a medical emergency shortly before landing.

The airline said the passenger became unresponsive about 20 minutes before arrival. Crew members administered first aid, and medical personnel met the aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and confirmed the death.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kenya Airways placed the emergency at about 9:20pm Nigerian time on October 6 and the aircraft’s landing at 9:41pm.

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority official Michael Achimugu said the airline’s country manager told him the passenger was being returned to Nigeria after being denied entry into Madagascar. His account of that earlier journey came from the airline manager.

Premium Times quoted Achimugu as saying the passenger allegedly became aggressive, tried to enter the cockpit and later attempted to open a rear door. He said crew members restrained the passenger with his hands tied behind his back. These are attributed allegations, not findings from the police investigation.

Airport Command police spokesperson Muhammed Adeola confirmed that an investigation had begun. He said the passenger developed breathing difficulties and medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed.

Police have taken statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain, and the body has been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja, Adeola said.

The passenger’s identity and cause of death were not disclosed in the airline’s statement. Kenya Airways said it was supporting the family in coordination with local authorities and aviation regulators.

Sources: Daily Trust, Premium Times