NCAA to meet with Ibom Air, witnesses over flight incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it will meet with Ibom Air and eyewitnesses to review the circumstances surrounding the incident aboard one of the airline’s flights.

The NCAA had appealed to passengers on the Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos to come forward with accounts of the altercation that broke out onboard. 

Providing an update in a post on X on Wednesday, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, said a passenger seated next to the lady in viral videos has contacted him and provided a detailed account of what transpired before the aircraft’s departure.

“Some aspects of his testimony offer an opportunity to look at other perspectives of this case, especially the behaviour of other actors involved and the manner of passenger handling before the flight took off,” Achimugu said.

“Although he says he will release a statement later today, the Authority has issued an LOI to Ibom Air and will invite both airline and eye witnesses to a meeting.

“The honourable minister of aviation and aerospace development and the NCAA have a remarkable record of protecting the rights of all stakeholders in this industry and will continue to do so.

“One is glad that a truly verifiable witness has come forward, and his statement makes me glad not to have listened to most of the fake audios and claims flying around social media.”

Achimugu said the matter requires thorough investigation, assuring that the NCAA will uncover the full details, and ensure that everyone responsible is held to account.

‘INFORMATION WILL HELP IDENTIFY GAPS IN AVIATION SECTOR’

In a follow-up tweet, Achimugu said the press release issued by Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, “stands”.

He added that every piece of information gathered from conversations and investigations will help identify gaps in the system and address them.

“Mediation is an acceptable form of conflict resolution, and the minister has shown leadership as usual,” he added.

On August 10, videos surfaced online showing an enraged female passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, assaulting a flight attendant and confronting airport security officials.

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

The airline imposed a travel restriction on Emmanson, saying she would no longer be allowed to fly on any of its aircraft.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also placed her on its “no-fly” list for life, describing the act as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year”.

The passenger was subsequently charged and remanded at the Kirikiri correctional facility.

However, earlier on Wednesday, the minister announced that Emmanson would be released this week, noting that the AON had agreed to lift the lifetime ban placed on her.