By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Airport Police Command on Monday, March 30, nabbed a 14-year-old teenager, identified as Eke Miracle, attempting to stowaway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The police disclosed this in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Mohammed Adeola, on Monday.
The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the boy gained entry into the airport tarmac and described the minor’s action as an offence considered highly dangerous, both to the individual involved and to aviation operations.
It stated, “The minor was discovered on the airport tarmac while attempting to gain access beneath an aircraft, an act which constitutes a serious breach of aviation security protocols within a highly sensitive operational environment.”
The authorities said the boy was taken into protective custody, with due consideration given to his age and welfare, and his parents promptly notified of the development.
“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 conducting the interview in their presence.
“We ensured that the minor was provided with appropriate care, support, and welfare considerations throughout the process,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, while reacting to the incident, stressed that the command is committed to safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure, describing airports as critical national assets that must be protected at all times.
The command stated that the matter would be handled in line with juvenile justice procedures, adding that the minor would be charged before the appropriate juvenile court.
