An Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft operated by Air Peace Airlines, having among its passengers, Omoyele Sowore, suffered a potentially hazardous malfunction when its windshield shattered as it descended into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday.
It was, however, learnt that the plane, which had departed from Akure in Ondo State at 8:30 am, landed at 9:40 am without further incident.
Sowore, a pro-democracy campaigner and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, was travelling to Abuja for a scheduled court trial.
He is also the founder of an online news agency, Sahara Reporters and a human rights advocate.
After much probing, a staff member of Air Peace, disclosed to Daily Prime News under anonymity that only a slight crack was detected and it was promptly repaired.
“It was a crack that was noticed, and, of course, as soon as it was detected, we immediately called for repairs. That’s why we brought in another aircraft to operate that flight.
“It wasn’t a cause for panic. The same aircraft has operated several flights today after the repair. Our team came in from Lagos with a replacement windshield, and the aircraft has been flying since. I believe it’s still in operation now. It has been rectified. I’m surprised this has become an issue.”
On the panic caused by the incident, he said, “I think this is an overreaction by some passengers. We informed them that the flight would be delayed due to operational reasons, which were stated clearly. But you know how people react when given such information.”
