The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Air France following the unruly behaviour of one of their passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr. Michael Achimugu, in a post on his X handle, said Air France has been summoned to explain their handling of the matter.

The passenger, in a viral video, rejected efforts by the officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service to move him from the terminal building as he was seen pacing around with his hand luggage and shouting, “My passport!”

The NCAA spokesperson later explained that the passenger, who came into the country via Air France, was not expected to deplane as his flight only had a stop in Nigeria.

He further explained that the passenger, suspected to have mental issues, was deboarded by Air France at the Abuja Airport, stating that his disruptive behaviour in the aircraft was a safety risk for other passengers.

He said, “Since he did not possess a Nigerian visa, he was not allowed into Abuja. Being a French national, he was visited by staff of the French Embassy and a doctor and then granted accommodation in a hotel within the airport terminal.

“Later, British Airways deboarded him due to the same unruly behaviour he had displayed aboard Air France.

“He was supposed to depart via Asky Thursday morning but could not present evidence of payment for the e-ticket he presented, so the airline declined to airlift him.”

Achimugu said that immigration officials had quite a hectic time handling the erratic passenger, who was seen littering the terminal with what seemed to be tissue paper and screaming, “My passport, my passport.”

He said, “Immigration officers were trying to ensure that he boarded his flight before handing the passenger his international passport to prevent him from escaping through the exit gate and into the city.”

He disclosed that the regional head of NCAA Consumer Protection, Miriam Anosike, who understood the security, safety, and diplomatic ramifications of the case, addressed Air France personnel sternly, reminding them that they brought the passenger to Nigeria and must be responsible for airlifting him out of the country as he was becoming a liability.

“If you are afraid to airlift him, why do you expect other airlines to be responsible for him? Get him a ticket and move him tomorrow!” she stated.

Achimugu, however, commended the regional CPO, whose years of experience came in handy in managing the matter. He assured that the authority would supervise Air France’s operations on Friday night to ensure that the passenger is safely airlifted.