The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged fairness in handling the Ibom Air incident involving a passenger and cabin crew, while warning that it will punish any “unruly” behaviour within the limits of the law.
“No matter the provocation, you can always lodge your complaints with the NCAA, and we will address them,” stated NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. “Self-help is unacceptable in aviation anywhere.”
Achimugu affirmed that the authority will see the case through and ensure fairness for all parties, speaking a day after the altercation occurred.
On Monday, videos circulated online showing an argument between passenger Comfort Emmanson and Ibom Air staff. Footage revealed her assaulting a crew member on the Uyo–Lagos flight before security personnel intervened.
The airline reported that Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile devices before take-off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. She complied only after the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement and another passenger seated beside her turned off the phone.
According to Ibom Air, upon landing in Lagos, Emmanson approached the Purser who had earlier given the instruction. She allegedly stepped on her, ripped off her wig, removed her glasses, threw them to the floor, and struck her with footwear.
The airline imposed a no-fly ban on Emmanson and initiated legal proceedings, which Achimugu said was not unlawful. He noted that both the airline and the passenger could resolve the matter amicably if they chose.
He urged passengers to follow cabin crew instructions, stressing that unruly conduct can have serious consequences.
The incident occurred just days after the NCAA banned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 De Ultimate, for six months over unruly behaviour at Abuja airport.