This afternoon at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, officials were taken by surprise when a man identified as Segun Martins attempted to stow away on a commercial flight by hiding beneath the aircraft’s wheels. The plane, operated by Overland Airways, was preparing to taxi for takeoff when the incident occurred.
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Martins gained unauthorized access to the restricted airside area around 3:02 p.m. and tried to conceal himself between the tyres of the aircraft. Ground security personnel spotted him before the plane moved and quickly intervened to pull him away from the landing gear. He was then handed over to the Airport Police Command for further questioning and investigation.
When he was questioned, Martins told authorities that he thought the flight was leaving for the United States of America and thought that hiding under the plane might allow him to escape the country. This claim reflects not just an unusual choice but a desperate judgment on his part.
Stowaway attempts involving aircraft landing gear are rare but dangerous. People who seldom try to ride in wheel wells face grave risks, including extreme cold, suffocation due to lack of oxygen, and the possibility of fatal injuries during takeoff or landing. Past cases documented globally show a high rate of dangerous outcomes when individuals make such attempts.
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The incident has left many people including airport authorities shaken and asking how far desperation can push a person. It also raises questions about airport perimeter security, safety and the mental state of individuals who choose such dangerous methods to pursue their goals. Investigations has begun will likely explore how Martins gained access to the restricted area and what led him to take such a risky step.
