SSS Nabs Senior Magistrate At PH Airport

Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff (right) discussing with Orodje of Okpe, Edo State, King Felix Mujakperuo (left), while another royal father, listens with interest at the just concluded South-South Traditional Leaders’ Retreat held at Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: King Osila

The State Security Service officials at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa yesterday arrested a Senior Magistrate with the Rivers State Judiciary for carrying a substance suspected to be an explosive which almost caused air mishap at the Port Harcourt airport.

This is happening one week after the Governor of Akwa Ibom state Chief Godwin Akpabio escaped a mid air head collision.

The Arik Aircraft with registration number 5N-MJH was said to have taken off from Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja for Port Harcourt when an explosion occurred mid air, about 30 minutes after take off, from one of the luggage compartment of the aircraft.

The explosion was said to have occurred in a lady’s handbag with about 15 minutes for the plane to land.

The sudden explosion which resulted to smoke and flame caused stampede in the aircraft but The Weekend Tide gathered that the all female air hostesses rose to the challenges and were able to subdue and put off the fire with the available fire extinguishers on board.

Aboard the trouble aircraft were a cream of personalities across the nation, including the newly inaugurated NDDC Managing Director, Chibuzor Ugwoha, Hon Chidi Lyold, his wife and kid, and Hon Maureen Tamuno, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

However, the aircraft was able to land successfully with FAAN safety and fire men on ground.

The Commander, the SSS at the airport confirmed the arrest and said the lady has been transferred to the State headquarters of the SSS for further interrogation and investigations.

Sources revealed that the explosion was as a result of substance said to be a rat poison.

Meanwhile, NDDC M/D thanked God for the escape and called for adequate training for the air hostesses and inclusion of men in the cabin crew.

Also Hon Maureen Tamonu urged FAAN to investigate the sources of the said explosion.