Passenger arrested for stealing ₦290,000 from foreigner aboard Ibom Air flight

A mild drama occurred on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, when a passenger was arrested for allegedly stealing ₦290,000 from a foreign traveller just before takeoff.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened around 7:00 a.m. shortly after boarding was completed.

The foreign passenger reportedly raised an alarm after discovering that the cash he had kept in his bag, which was stored in the overhead compartment, had gone missing.

Cabin crew immediately began an investigation, during which another passenger claimed to have seen the suspect tampering with the victim’s bag. When confronted, the suspect denied any involvement.

The foreigner maintained that ₦290,000 was missing from his bag, prompting a search of the suspect’s hand luggage.

Although nothing was initially found, tension mounted when another passenger suggested a body search.

Witnesses said the suspect became visibly anxious, which led to a more thorough search that uncovered the missing money hidden in his socks and under his seat.

Airport security was quickly notified, and the suspect was escorted off the aircraft and handed over to airport authorities for further investigation.

The incident left many passengers shocked and disappointed.

The flight later departed for Abuja after the situation was resolved. As of the time of this report, Ibom Air has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.