The Nigerian Government has announced that its investigation has indicted an Air Peace pilot and co-pilot for consuming hard drugs and alcohol before operating a flight, according to a preliminary investigation report released on Friday.
The report, issued by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), follows an incident on June 13th, 2025, when an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft veered off the runway at Port Harcourt International Airport.
Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance Bureau at NSIB, disclosed that toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew after the incident yielded alarming results.
"Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis," the report stated.
The NSIB specifically noted that "toxicological screening conducted post-incident revealed that the captain and first officer tested positive for ethyl glucuronide, indicating recent alcohol consumption."
According to the bureau, these results are currently being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the ongoing investigation.
BenriNews recalls that the Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft incident occurred in June, with the plane veering off the runway at Port Harcourt International Airport. Fortunately, no damage was reported in the incident.
The findings have sparked controversy, with reports indicating that Air Peace has disputed the NSIB's findings, while one of the implicated crew members has reportedly threatened legal action, claiming innocence.
This development raises serious questions about safety protocols and substance abuse monitoring in Nigeria's aviation industry, particularly among flight crew responsible for passenger safety.
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