A passenger has died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos after becoming unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Kenya Airways said the medical emergency occurred on Tuesday, October 6, at about 9:20 p.m. Nigerian time, with the passenger becoming unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing.

The airline said its crew immediately administered first aid in line with their training and followed established emergency procedures.

The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 9:41 p.m., where it was met by medical personnel.

The medical team subsequently examined the passenger and confirmed that the person had died.

Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the deceased passenger’s family and friends, saying it was providing the necessary support in coordination with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators.

The airline also said it respected the privacy and dignity of those involved in the incident.

Further details about the passenger’s identity and cause of death were not immediately disclosed.

However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA said the police had taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, reportedly said the passenger had been picked up from Madagascar and was being returned to Nigeria after being denied entry by customs authorities.

He said the passenger allegedly became restless and aggressive during the flight, with the situation requiring intervention by crew members and other passengers.

The circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death remain subject to further investigation.