A suspected stowaway was on Thursday morning arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.
The suspect, a young man, was reportedly found in the bush after escaping from the aircraft belonging to Rano Airlines which was scheduled for Abuja this morning.
Credible sources told SolaceBase that the same suspect was arrested some months ago as a stowaway in the same airline aircraft.
The man was said to have even messed up the aircraft toilet during that period when he was first arrested by aviation security (AVSEC), personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Speaking to SolaceBase on the development, MAKIA Manager, Malam Jibrin Danmusa who confirmed the situation, said the suspect has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
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Danmusa said immediately the incident was reported to FAAN security, they swung into action and later discovered that the suspect ran into the bush.
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‘’It took our men hours before they located the suspect who ran into the bush while being sought after, ‘’DanMusa said.
‘’When he was later arrested, we handed him over to the DSS for necessary investigation.’’
The airport manager said the aircraft was later searched by the police bomb squad and certified that the aircraft was safe to fly.
“The affected aircraft was screened in accordance with strict security and operating standards.’’
He affirmed that the suspect was also arrested almost three months ago in the toilet of the same airline aircraft.
‘’When he was arrested almost three months ago in the aircraft of the same airline, Rano Airline, we handed him over to the police and we were later told that he escaped from police custody.’’
However, he was brought back by his parent and later transferred to the police criminal investigation department CID.
According to him, they were subsequently informed that the suspect has a mental illness.
He added that investigation is still ongoing on the issue.
Similarly, Rano Airline Kano Airport Manager, Malam Auwal Ahmed said he was alerted around 6.00 am on Thursday that the door of the aircraft was tampered with.
He told SolaceBase that immediately he arrived at the airport, he alerted aviation security who later arrested the suspect.
Ahmed corroborated that the suspect was arrested over two months ago in one of the aircraft of the airline.
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‘’Yes the same guy was arrested in the toilet of one of our aircraft when we discovered that the door of the aircraft was compromised almost the same time he did that of today,’’ Ahmed noted.
‘’We pursued the matter with the police after his arrest but we were later told that he was not mentally balanced.’’
He added that after a thorough search of the aircraft on Thursday by security agents and was certified safe, the aircraft flew to Abuja and has continued with its other flight schedule.
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