Lagos, Nigeria – September 12, 2025 – In a startling development, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has officially indicted a pilot and co-pilot of Air Peace for operating under the influence of hard drugs and alcohol, raising serious concerns about safety protocols within the aviation industry.
According to a statement released by the NSIB, toxicology reports confirmed the presence of prohibited substances in the systems of both flight crew members during a routine post-incident investigation. The flight in question reportedly experienced irregularities that prompted an internal probe, which eventually uncovered the violations.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
The NSIB emphasized that the actions of the indicted crew violated both national aviation safety regulations and international flight operation standards, potentially endangering the lives of passengers and crew onboard.
“The presence of hard drugs and alcohol in the systems of licensed flight personnel is a grave breach of public trust and aviation safety. This matter will be treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves,” said an NSIB spokesperson.
Air Peace Responds
In response to the development, Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial airlines, issued a statement confirming that the individuals involved have been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of further investigations.
The airline reiterated its commitment to safety, stressing that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse and follows rigorous internal screening protocols.
Public Confidence and Regulatory Action
The NSIB has called for tighter regulations and more frequent random drug and alcohol testing for all flight crew operating within Nigerian airspace. The incident has prompted renewed conversations among aviation stakeholders about the need to strengthen oversight mechanisms and improve mental health and substance abuse support for airline personnel.
This indictment is likely to spark industry-wide audits and policy reviews, as regulatory bodies work to reassure the public of the safety and integrity of air travel in Nigeria.
Next Steps
The matter has been forwarded to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for possible sanctions, license review, and further disciplinary actions in line with existing aviation laws.
As investigations continue, Nigerians and the international community await further updates on the case and any broader implications for flight operations across the country.
Stay with us for developing updates on this breaking aviation safety story.
