Kenya Airways confirms d3ath of passenger on Lagos-bound flight

The Kenyan Airways has confirmed the d3ath of a passenger on a flight from Nairobi to Lagos.

In a statement issued Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the airline said the flight experienced a medical emergency on board on Tuesday at around 21:20 hrs Nigerian time as the passenger was found to be unresponsive appropriately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos.

According to the statement, its crew administered first aid as per their training and followed all emergency procedures.

However, after landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused. We uphold and respect the privacy and dignity for all involved. Kenya Airways is providing the necessary support in close coordination with the deceased’s family,” the statement added 

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Michael Achimugu, said that the police has taken over investigations into the circumstances surrounding the d3ath of an unnamed passenger. 

Achimugu, said he was briefed by the airline’s country manager on Wednesday morning and stressed that the police had now taken over the matter.

He explained that the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities had earlier denied him entry into the country.

He further added that the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight and allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit before later trying to open the rear door of the aircraft.

“The country manager had woken me up this morning to say their own side of the story, and the police will start their own investigations. The country manager said he was picked from Madagascar, after customs had earlier denied him entry into the country, and as expected, the airline that brought him into the country must take him back,” he said.

“The passenger’s hands were tied behind his back as an attempt to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of those on board. When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive inside the aircraft, wanted to enter the cockpit and later wanted to open the rear door, but was later tied down.

"But when he got to Nigeria, he was declared d3ad on arrival. I don’t want to preempt the police investigation, but they have taken it over for now.” 

The spokesperson for the Airport command of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adeola, also confirmed the incident, saying the body of the deceased had been deposited at a morgue for further investigation.

“Yes, it’s true, and investigations have commenced. It’s an issue of an inadmissible passenger, and the said complications arose on their way back," Adeola said.

“He was unable to breathe, and medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed. However, upon landing, he was confirmed to have d!ed. His body is at a morgue in Ikeja for further investigation.”