CHICAGO — A 72-year-old man flying from Nigeria to Chicago to visit family was hospitalized after he was restrained for eight hours on a flight to the United States, his family said.
It was the first time David Okesone had been on a plane, however, there were no issues on his flight from Nigeria to Dubai, his family told WGN. There was a misunderstanding after Okesone sat in the wrong seat on the connecting flight from Dubai to Chicago, according to WGN.
The crew tried to move him, and eventually had to restrain him using zip ties.
Emirates Airlines told WGN Okesone was acting unruly and he was restrained to protect other passengers.
"Emirates can confirm that Mr. Ukesone was a passenger on flight EK235 from Dubai to Chicago (Jan. 23), and that he had to be restrained by cabin crew due to unruly behavior during the flight," an Emirates spokesman said Tuesday. "Despite the best efforts of our crew to intervene and reason with him, Mr. Ukesone repeatedly disturbed other passengers, refused to remain in his assigned seat, and forced his way into another cabin class. He also assaulted crew and bit another passenger. As a consequence, he was restrained by our crew. Our cabin crew are highly trained to ensure the safety and security of our passengers, and constantly monitored Mr. Ukesone's welfare throughout the flight. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised. Upon arrival at the airport, the passenger was handed over to the authorities in Chicago. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the other passengers on the flight for their understanding, in particular the individuals who had assisted our crew during the flight."
No other details on the incident were given, according to WGN.
Okesone was taken to the hospital and examined Thursday
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