A Magistrate Court in Lagos has sentenced fourteen individuals, following their arraignment on multiple charges linked to cable theft and vandalization at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport terminal 1 construction area.
The suspects, were apprehended at about 1900 hours on April 20, 2026, following a swift and intelligence-driven response by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
FAAN’s security architecture, working in close coordination with the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF) and other security agencies deployed at the airport.
Delivering judgment, the court sentenced the defendants to one month imprisonment on the first count, six months on the second count, and twelve months on the third count. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The case has been adjourned to June 16 for further proceedings, particularly in respect of the defendant who contested the charges.
In a separate matter, two individuals charged with the theft of alcohol were also brought before the court. Although both defendants initially pleaded guilty, they later disputed certain elements of the prosecution’s account. The court subsequently adjourned the case to June 30 for continuation.
Meanwhile, a juvenile linked to a related case was present in custody during proceedings. Authorities confirmed that the minor has been returned to the police station for further handling in line with established legal procedures governing juvenile cases.
FAAN had recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of fourteen (14) suspected vandals at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects unlawfully gained access to the Terminal One construction site by impersonating authorised construction personnel—an attempt that was effectively foiled through the vigilance, surveillance, and rapid intervention of FAAN security operatives and their partners.
The individuals were intercepted with vandalised materials, including copper wires and iron components, which had been illicitly removed from the construction site. They were promptly apprehended and secured, with all suspects and recovered exhibits subsequently handed over to the appropriate investigative authorities for further action.
This successful operation underscores FAAN’s robust and proactive security framework, as well as the high level of coordination among security stakeholders within the airport environment. It also reflects the Authority’s zero-tolerance stance on any form of criminal activity targeting critical aviation infrastructure.
FAAN remains resolute in its mandate to protect all airport assets and ensure the safety and integrity of ongoing development projects nationwide. The Authority continues to enhance surveillance, access control systems, and inter-agency collaboration to deter and respond decisively to security threats.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities within and around airport vicinities to security agencies.
