NCAA Intensifies Probe Into Ibom Air Incident Involving Comfort Emmanson.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advanced its investigation into a highly publicised altercation involving passenger Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on 10 August 2025. The regulatory body met with Ms. Emmanson, accompanied by her lawyer, on Thursday, 21 August, as part of its ongoing efforts to uncover the facts surrounding the incident that sparked widespread debate across Nigeria.
The confrontation, captured in viral videos, allegedly began when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, leading to a clash with cabin crew member Julie Edwards. The situation escalated upon landing in Lagos, where Emmanson, the last to disembark after visiting the restroom, was seen being physically restrained by airline staff and confronting airport security officials. The incident prompted Ibom Air to impose a travel ban on Emmanson, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) initially placed her on a lifetime no-fly list. She was subsequently charged with five counts, including assault, and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Following public outcry and intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the criminal charges against Ms. Emmanson were withdrawn, and the AON lifted its lifetime ban. The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the authority also met with Ms. Edwards and other Ibom Air crew members on Wednesday, 20 August, in Abuja to gather their accounts. The meetings, involving directorates of aviation security, operations, licensing, training standards, legal services, and consumer protection, aim to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Mr. Achimugu, addressing the Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders’ Meeting, noted that the pilot-in-command did not alert security upon landing in Lagos, as the issue appeared resolved during the flight. However, Emmanson’s delayed disembarkation reignited tensions. The NCAA has also appealed for eyewitness accounts, with one verified passenger, seated beside Emmanson, coming forward to provide a first-hand narrative.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the airline’s handling of the situation, describing it as “inhumane” and a violation of Emmanson’s rights. The NBA’s President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, called for a public apology from Ibom Air and urged full cooperation with the NCAA’s probe. Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, highlighted growing concerns over unruly passenger behaviour and lapses in professional conduct among aviation staff, urging stricter enforcement of regulations.
Amidst online speculation, Ms. Emmanson addressed reports of a N500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government and NCAA, denying such claims in a now-deleted Instagram post. She clarified that no legal action has been taken yet, but any future steps would be communicated directly via her official channels.
The NCAA has assured stakeholders that the investigation’s findings will be made public, emphasising its commitment to fairness and accountability. As the probe continues, the incident underscores the need for improved conflict resolution protocols and adherence to aviation safety standards to protect all parties involved.
