The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the July 13, 2025, Air Peace incident at Port Harcourt International Airport, alleging that the airline’s crew tested positive for alcohol and cannabis.
Air Peace disputed the findings, noting that the co-pilot, David Bernard—who had advised the captain to go around as since been reinstated with NCAA approval. Cabin crew member Victory Maduneme also denied testing positive and threatened legal action.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the July 13, 2025 incident involving an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft at Port Harcourt International Airport, sparking a heated dispute between the bureau and the airline.
NSIB’s Findings
According to the report, both the airline’s captain and first officer allegedly tested positive for ethyl — a byproduct of alcohol — while members of the cabin crew reportedly tested positive for THC, a substance found in cannabis.
Air Peace Disagrees
Air Peace, however, rejected the findings, stating it has not officially received the report but would challenge the claims. The airline emphasized that its first officer, who played a key role in averting danger, had already been cleared by aviation authorities.
“The First Officer (co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a go-around to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),” the airline said in a statement on X.
Cabin Crew and Co-Pilot Respond
Victory Maduneme, a cabin crew member named in the report, also denied testing positive for drugs and threatened legal action against NSIB.
Air Peace co-pilot, David Bernard, further defended himself, stressing that he had warned the captain during the landing attempt.
“I advised him that, Commander, you are high for this approach; we should initiate a go-around. And he didn’t listen to me,” Bernard said.
NSIB Stands Firm
Despite the pushback, NSIB’s Director General, Alex Badeh, maintained that the findings stand, fueling further debate over the safety incident and its handling.
