FAAN clarifies attempted drug trafficking scandal at Lagos airport

A video has been circulating on social media showing a passenger allegedly slapping a supposed staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). 

The passenger is said to have accused the individual of attempting to use him to traffic drugs.

The shocking incident occurred on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at approximately 1430 hrs at gate 2 boarding gate at ITZ2 in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport

In a statement signed by Obiageli Orah (Mrs), Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN has swiftly responded, clarifying that the person seen in the video is not a staff member of FAAN but is, in fact, an employee of Pathfinder company. 

FAAN explained that the individual, identified as a staff member of Pathfinder, allegedly approached a passenger, seeking assistance to convey a parcel through the flight.

Upon becoming suspicious, the passenger raised an alarm, claiming he was being set up for drug trafficking. 

Airport security promptly intervened, apprehending the Pathfinder employee for questioning. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit of the Aviation Security Services.

The involved passenger has already departed on Ibom Air to Accra, while the questionable medication, labeled “NEW AGE GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN SULFATE COMPLEX,” has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

Emphasising its commitment to a drug-free society, FAAN reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddling through airports. 

It added that the incident highlights the challenges authorities face in maintaining the integrity and security of air travel, with ongoing efforts to prevent illicit activities within airport premises.

The statement: “The attention  of the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has been  drawn  to a video  circulating on social  media  where a supposed staff of  the Authority  was knelt  down  and was being  slapped  by a passenger  for trying  to use him to traffic drugs.

“It has been  identified  that  the incident  took place  at  the  Murtala  Muhammed International Airport  on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at about 1430hrs at gate 2  boarding gate at ITZ2.

“The Authority  wishes to  set the records straight  by stating  that the  officer being manhandled in the video is not a   staff of FAAN . 

“He has been  identified  as  a member of the staff of the Pathfinder company. 

“The employee was said to have approached a passenger to help him convey a parcel through the flight. 

“When the passenger became skeptical, he raised an alarm, alleging that he was being set up for drug trafficking.

“The employee was immediately arrested for questioning by the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit of the Aviation Security Services.

“The passenger  involved has since departed on  Ibom  Air to Accra while the medication  with the name ‘NEW AGE GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN SULFATE COMPLEX ‘ has been  taken  to the National  Drug Law Enforcement  Agency ( NDLEA) for further  investigation.

“FAAN is dedicated to a drug-free society and has zero tolerance to drug peddling through her airports.

“FAAN…Committed to her core values…Safety! Security!! Comfort!!!”

Obiageli Orah ( Mrs), Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection.