Arik Bomb Scare: Man Responsible Released From Custody

A man,  was held for allegedly attempting to blow up an Arik Air plane that landed at the Abuja Airport from Maiduguri yesterday.
According to sources, the man, identified as Aminu Galadima,  began to act strangely, loudly screaming ''God is Great", whilst the plane was in mid-air. Fellow passengers, alarmed by this behaviour rushed to apprehend him. A thorough search by fellow passengers and crew members revealed nothing dangerous on him. The pilot immediately radioed Air Traffic Control and airport security operatives.


The plane landed safely at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,  and the suspect was handed over to the SSS  for interrogation.

The man has however been released from police custody. He is an interior decorator with a history of mental illness. Mr Galadima was released after investigators were satisfied that he had no intentions of blowing up the plane and also had no ties to any terrorist group.
A statement from the SSS when you continue...


This is a brief highlight of the incident that occurred on the Arik Air flight from Maiduguri to Abuja.


On Friday, 19th October, 2012, Wife of the SSG to the Borno State Government, Hajia Yachilla JIDDA, travelled to Maiduguri in company of one Aminu S. GALADIMA, an interior decorator based in Abuja to do some interior decoration work. On arrival in Maiduguri, he was lodged at Greenland Hotel. During the course of his stay, he exhibited unusual behaviour by smashing a window, and ended up with lacerations on his hands.

The SSG was contacted, and in collaboration with the Hotel management, subject was taken to Atal Hospital, also in Maiduguri, where he received treatment. His family in Abuja was contacted and they gave confirmation that GALADIMA has been mentally unstable. In addition, his elder brother who lives in the UK was contacted and he requested that subject be returned to Abuja for medical attention.

On Sunday, 21st October, 2012, he was taken to the airport to be returned to Abuja, but missed the flight. However, the Airport management was informed of his state of health, and they advised that whenever his return is scheduled, the management should be notified. Unfortunately, when GALADIMA was taken to the Airport on 23rd October for his return trip, the management of the Airport was not informed, and 10 minutes into the flight, due to slight turbulence, his condition was triggered off. Meanwhile, GALADIMA is in the custody of security forces.


This clarification has become necessary to dispel the unfounded rumours concerning the flight.


Marilyn OGAR, msi

Deputy Director, Public Relations

Department of State Services

23rd October, 2012".