14-year-old intercepted in stowaway attempt at Lagos airport

The Airport Police Command has intercepted a 14-year-old male, identified as Eke Miracle, in connection with a stowaway attempt at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The minor was discovered on the airport tarmac while attempting to unlawfully gain access beneath an aircraft, an act which constitutes a serious breach of aviation security protocols within a highly sensitive operational environment.

Preliminary findings indicate that the juvenile unlawfully entered a restricted area of the airport without authorization, contrary to Sections 2 and 3 of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) byelaws, and engaged in actions consistent with a stowaway attempt.

Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures.

His parents were promptly notified, and all necessary protocols were observed, including the conduct of the interview process in the presence of his parents. The Command also ensured that the minor was provided with appropriate care, support, and welfare considerations throughout the process.

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Ogunbode Olufunke, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, reiterated the Command’s unshaken resolve to safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure, describing the airport as a critical national asset that requires strict adherence to security regulations at all times.

While emphasizing that due process will be strictly followed, CP Ogunbode urged parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance over their children and wards, particularly in relation to movements around restricted and high-risk environments such as airports.

The Command further notes that the case will be handled in accordance with applicable juvenile justice procedures, and the minor will be charged before the appropriate juvenile court.

The Airport Police Command remains steadfast in its resolve to maintain safety, security, and order within the aviation ecosystem, while upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals, particularly minors.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.