ARIK AIR STAFFS ARRESTED FOR STEALING AIRCRAFT FUEL

Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, on Monday said the ministry arrested three Arik Air staff for stealing fuel from an aircraft. Posting on his official Facebook page, Chidoka said the arrested Arik Air Staff Blessing Dugbe, Samuel Asuquo and Isaac Ajakaiye were nabbed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, during a security patrol operation on Sunday at about around 3 a.m. They were caught stealing Jet A1 fuel from Arik Air plane, with registration number: 5N-MID into six jerry cans for sale at a cheaper price to other unsuspecting airline operators.

“This action has capacity to threaten safety and security of airplanes. Meanwhile, the three (3) suspects were handed over to the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB), AVSEC MMIA for further action.” Chidoka 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 lodged complaints of loss of their items ranging from iPad, jewelleries, clothes to perfumes, aboard the airline’s flights.