NCAA Probes Ibom Air Unruly Passenger Case, Requests Eyewitness Reports
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on passengers aboard Ibom Air flight IAN513 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10 to come forward with accounts of the onboard altercation involving a passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson.
Videos circulated on social media showed Emmanson attacking flight attendants and confronting security officials after refusing to comply with safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone before take-off. The incident escalated when another passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off, prompting a verbal tirade. Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly assaulted the purser who had issued the initial instruction.
Ibom Air described her conduct as a serious safety threat and has imposed a lifetime travel ban on her. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also placed her on a no-fly list for life across all domestic and international routes.
In a statement via X, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said the regulator is seeking “other perspectives” to ensure fairness. “Once verified that you were a passenger on that flight, we can discuss and try to understand other perspectives on this issue,” he said.
“In the interest of justice and fairness, it is necessary to hear both sides of the story. Of course, this does not negate the exhibition of unruly behaviour and its ramifications, but it will ensure that every other person who was culpable down the line is held accountable.”
Achimugu added that the case is “a test for the system” and an opportunity to improve response protocols, stressing that “in aviation, it is safety first, safety second, and safety third.”
