The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) has called on passengers aboard the Ibom Air flight IAN513 from Uyo to Lagos to provide first-hand accounts of the onboard altercation involving a passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson.
The incident, which occurred on August 10, was captured in viral videos showing Emmanson attacking flight attendants and confronting airport security officials.
According to Ibom Air, the altercation began shortly before take-off when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone as required by aviation safety regulations. A fellow passenger seated beside her reportedly switched off the phone, triggering a verbal outburst.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the airline said Emmanson confronted the purser who had earlier instructed her to turn off her phone and physically assaulted her. Ibom Air described her behaviour as a serious threat to the safety of its crew, passengers, and aircraft, and has since banned her from flying on its aircraft.
Heritage Times HT had reported that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also placed her on a lifetime “no-fly” list for both domestic and international routes, describing the case as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year”.
The development came days after a separate air rage incident involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, prompting NCAA’s intervention.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, urged witnesses to contact him via direct message or email at [email protected].
“Once verified that you were actually a passenger on that flight, we can discuss and try to understand other perspectives to this issue,” Achimugu 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,” he added.
Achimugu said NCAA officials will be in Lagos for a fact-finding mission and will engage with police and other security agencies involved in the matter.
He added that the incident presents an opportunity for passengers, airline staff, and aviation security to learn lessons and improve response protocols.
“It is a test for the system. No matter how fine regulations are, human behaviour will always be unpredictable. When these events occur, we are able to see the gaps and pluck loopholes,” he said.
Achimugu further stressed that “in aviation, it is safety first, safety second, and safety third”.
