Minister for Aviation, Osita Chidoka, on
Monday said three Arik Air staff were arrested by the ministry for
attempting to steal fuel from an aircraft.
The minister visa his Facebook page
stated that the trio of Blessing Dugbe, Samuel Asuquo and Isaac Ajakaiye
were arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos,
during a security patrol operation on Sunday at about around 3 a.m local
time.
The accused were said to be stealing Jet
A1 fuel from an Arik Air plane, with registration number: 5N-MID into
six jerry cans for sales at cheaper price to other unsuspecting airline
operators.
The three suspects were handed over to the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB), AVSEC MMIA for further action.
The minister said considering the
magnitude of the crime to the security and safety of airplanes, the
chief security officer of the Lagos airport has been asked to ensure
that the suspects are handed over to the airport police for adequate
prosecution.
This is not the first time that Arik staff are accused of theft. Passengers have often lamented the loss of one item or the other aboard the airline’s flights.
The airline is yet to issue an official statement though.
