NCAA asks passengers for first-hand account of Ibom Air flight incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to passengers on the Ibom Air flight IAN513 from Uyo to Lagos to come forward with accounts of the incident that led to a brawl onboard.

On August 10, videos had circulated on social media showing a passenger — identified as Comfort Emmanson — violently attacking flight attendants on an Ibom Air plane and confronting airport security officials.

The airline said the incident began shortly before take-off from Uyo when the passenger refused to comply with standard aviation safety procedures requiring her to switch off her mobile phone.

The aviation firm said another passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off, prompting a verbal tirade from Emmanson.

The company said upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson proceeded to confront the purser who had earlier instructed her to switch off her phone and physically assaulted her.

Ibom Air said her conduct posed a serious threat to the safety of its crew, passengers, and aircraft.

The airline has since imposed a travel restriction on her, adding that she will no longer be allowed to fly on any of its aircraft.

Describing Emmanson’s action as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year”, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) placed her on a “no-fly” list for life on all domestic and international routes.

The event, which occurred days after a similar air rage incident involving Wasiu Atinde, a prominent Fuji artist also known as KWAM 1, has since sparked a mix of reactions across the country, compelling the intervention of the NCAA.

‘NCAA SEEKING OTHER PERSPECTIVES IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE, FAIRNESS’

In a statement via X on Tuesday, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, urged witnesses to contact him directly via DM or email at [email protected].

He said the regulator is seeking “other perspectives” on the events to ensure fairness and accountability.

“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.”

The NCAA spokesperson said officials will be deployed in Lagos on a fact-finding mission, engaging with police and other security agencies involved in handling the situation.

Achimugu said the incident offers an opportunity for all stakeholders, passengers, airlines’ staff members, 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 said “in aviation, it is safety first, safety second, and safety third”.