The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is preparing to meet with eyewitnesses over the altercation that occurred between a crew member of Ibom Airline and a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, in a bid to unravel hidden facts about the issue that transpired on Monday.
Mike Achimogu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, on Tuesday, appealed to passengers who were on board the aircraft during the incident to come forward with their side of the story as he made public his X account (formerly Twitter) for them to contact him through michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng
He wrote, “Any person who was a passenger on that Ibom Air Uyo-Lagos flight (IAN513) and witnessed the events that led to the fracas should, as a matter of urgency and fairness, reach out to me via DM or michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng,”
Providing an update in a post on X yesterday, Achimugu, 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, reports Daily Independent.
“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 the airline and eyewitnesses 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.
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.
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.
