“Caught In the Act” — Ibom Air Passenger Arrested for Alleged Theft Of ₦290,000 From Foreign Traveller

An Abuja-bound Ibom Air flight was thrown into mild chaos on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after a passenger was arrested for allegedly stealing a large sum of money from another traveller’s luggage.

The incident occurred shortly before takeoff at around 7:00 a.m. on the flight from Uyo. Eyewitnesses reported that the victim, a foreign passenger, discovered that cash kept in his hand luggage in the overhead compartment had gone missing.

Cabin crew quickly intervened, and another passenger claimed to have seen the suspect handling the victim’s bag. The accused passenger initially denied any wrongdoing, and a search of his luggage revealed nothing. However, further checks reportedly uncovered the missing money hidden in his socks and under his seat.

Airport security officials were promptly alerted, and the suspect was escorted off the aircraft and handed over to aviation authorities for investigation. Passengers on board were seen reacting to the incident, some making light of the situation while the crew ensured order was maintained.

The disruption caused a brief delay, but the flight later departed for Abuja without further incident.

As of press time, Ibom Air had not issued an official statement confirming the occurrence.