LJT, I think it has to do with this story:
But for providence, the beleaguered aviation industry would have witnessed yet another sad commentary after the fatal ADC crash, when a man, attempted to smuggle explosives into an Abuja-bound Bellview aircraft.
Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who briefed newsmen in Lagos on the incident, also disclosed yesterday that the man whose name was given as Michael Dickson was arrested by security operatives on Saturday morning, when he brought some explosives to the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and attempted to have them on board the aircraft.
According to the minister, the suspect whose mission was to mix the explosives packaged in cylinders with luggages belonging to Bellview crew and disappear, was spotted by eagle-eyed officials of the airline and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel who subsequently apprehended him.
Fani-Kayode stated that upon his arrest, the suspect said the items in the cylinders were microphones and was asked to open them but refused.
The minister stated that the 'cylinders' were forcefully opened by the security operatives who discovered that they contained explosives.
He stated that on interrogation, the suspect confessed he was detailed by somebody (whose name was not given), to plant the explosives and disappear, adding that the alleged sponsor of the suspect who was to travel by road to Abuja the same day was already on the run.
He wondered why the suspect would lie on the actual content of the cylinders if no criminal act was intended, adding that he has been handed over to the State Security Service operatives, assuring that the sponsor would be apprehended to face the music.
While applauding the commitment of the Bellview staff and FAAN security operatives who checkmated the attempt to smuggle the explosives on board the aircraft, the minister promised not to spare anything to ensure the safety and security of air travellers and airport users.
Noting that the uncovering of the "evil plot" was a testimony that God is in control and that the system in the aviation industry is witnessing positive transformation, he stated that Saturday was a day of victory for the entire country.
He urged security operatives and agencies to beef up security at the airports while directing that there should be 100 per cent inspection of all luggage, including hand luggage before they are allowed on board.
The minister also directed that nobody should be exempted from total screening at the airports and added that those carrying explosives and dangerous articles at the airports would be regarded as enemies of the state and be treated as such.
Fani-Kayode who said he was uncomfortable with recent accident reports, including the one involving the last year Bellview crash in Lisa, Ogun state, said he was going to seek the approval of President Olusegun Obasanjo to ask the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to embark on fresh investigations into the crash that claimed 117 lives.
He stated that he had invited the Director of Accident Investigations and Preve-ntion Bureau (AIPB), Engr.. Angus Ozoka to appear before him today to give an insight into some of the reports, which he said, were suspect.
According to him, the AIPB is on the verge of undergoing comprehensive re-organisation to meet the yearnings of the country.
Speaking at the briefing, the managing Director of FAAN, Alhaji Muhammadu Yusufu said he would fully comply with all the directives issued by the minister to ensure safety and security of the airports and thanked God for averting the plot by the suspected explosives peddler.
He stated that a consignment of newly acquired airport screening machines has already berthed at the Apapa port, adding that the cooperation of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) would be sought to have them cleared and installed immediately.
Also commenting on the Saturday attempt to smuggle explosives into a Bellview flight, the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren said it was an unlawful interference to civil aviation, which is a criminal offence as enunciated in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex.
He stated that NCAA has already directed that 100 per cent inspection be carried on every luggage that goes into any aircraft.
He however urged air travellers to expect some delays at airports because of the new security measures.
Also, the Commissioner of Police in charge of airports, Mr. Julian Okpaleke assured that security has been beefed up at the airport, adding that all security agencies are working in concert to check security breach at the airports across the country.
www.thisdayonline.com