The incident occurred on Tuesday night, October 6, 2026, with Kenya Airways confirming the passenger suffered a medical emergency approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled landing.

According to the airline, the emergency was reported at about 9:20 p.m. Nigerian time while the aircraft was approaching Lagos. Cabin crew immediately responded, administered first aid and followed established emergency procedures.

The aircraft eventually landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 9:41 p.m., where medical personnel boarded the plane and examined the passenger.

The medical team subsequently confirmed that the passenger had died.

Kenya Airways has not released the identity of the deceased or disclosed the medical condition that led to the emergency, saying it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved. The airline also expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and friends.

However, details provided by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority have raised further questions about what happened during the flight.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, said he was briefed by Kenya Airways’ country manager on Wednesday morning.

According to Achimugu, the passenger had reportedly been denied entry into Madagascar by immigration/customs authorities and was being returned by Kenya Airways because the airline had transported him there.

He further alleged that the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight and attempted to gain access to the cockpit. The passenger was also reportedly alleged to have tried to open the aircraft’s rear door.

Achimugu said the crew subsequently restrained the passenger, including tying his hands behind his back, in an attempt to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew members.

The passenger was eventually brought into Nigeria, where he was declared dead after the aircraft landed.

Achimugu stressed that the police had taken over the investigation and would determine the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death. He also noted that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as investigations continue.

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to provide a detailed public account of the incident.

Kenya Airways, meanwhile, said it is cooperating with the deceased’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators as the necessary procedures are carried out.

The airline said it would continue to respect the privacy of the deceased and those affected by the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death remain under investigation, and authorities are expected to establish what happened during the flight, including the events leading up to the medical emergency and the passenger’s death.