A UK-based Nigerian woman has alleged that an official at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos caused her to miss her flight after she refused to pay a bribe.
In a video reportedly shared online, the woman recounted her encounter with the airport official, alleging that the situation escalated after she declined to make the requested payment.
She further claimed that the official threatened to plant drugs in her luggage and call the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to arrest her if she continued recording the incident.
According to the woman, the alleged threat was made while she was documenting the encounter on video.
The allegation raises concerns about passenger treatment, accountability and the conduct of personnel operating at Nigeria’s busiest international airport. However, the specific incident and the identity of the official involved have not been independently confirmed.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has previously acknowledged concerns about touting, extortion and unauthorised payments at airports. In August 2026, the authority, working with the SERVICOM Office, launched the Operation Air Clean sensitisation programme at the Lagos airport to address such practices and promote professional conduct.
FAAN also provides channels for passengers to report complaints involving airport personnel and government agencies, including a dedicated email address and online reporting options.
As of the time of writing, no official response specifically addressing the woman’s allegation was identified in the sources reviewed.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
