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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned both a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and Ibom Air cabin crew member, Juliana Edward, following a heated altercation that occurred on board an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
The development was confirmed on Tuesday by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, during a press briefing at the Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders Meeting held in Abuja.
Achimugu explained that the regulatory body had taken steps to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure transparency and accountability.
“I have spoken with Ms. Emmanson this morning. We are also inviting the Ibom Air cabin crew for continued investigation on the incident. They will be here tomorrow,” Achimugu said.
According to initial reports, the confrontation began mid-flight when Emmanson allegedly had a disagreement with the cabin crew over compliance with in-flight instructions.
Video footage shared on social media appeared to show a physical altercation between the passenger and the crew member, sparking outrage among Nigerians.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the situation was eventually de-escalated before the aircraft landed safely in Lagos.
However, the pilot did not immediately call security operatives upon arrival, as the issue appeared to have been resolved onboard.
Emmanson, who reportedly visited the restroom after landing, was the last passenger to disembark from the aircraft.
The incident, which quickly went viral online, has raised renewed concerns over air travel discipline, passenger behavior, and crew safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Achimugu stressed that the NCAA is determined to get to the root of the matter and assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted transparently.
“We owe it to both the public and the aviation industry to ensure a thorough and fair process. Safety, professionalism, and discipline remain top priorities in the sector,” he added.
The NCAA’s move is seen as part of wider efforts to strengthen aviation safety and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s growing domestic air travel industry.
Speaking at the same meeting, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, lamented what he described as a “growing culture of indiscipline” in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He noted that cases of unruly passenger behavior, conflicts between staff and travelers, and even lapses among airline operators were becoming more frequent.
“Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for passengers, crew, and airport staff to maintain discipline.
Aviation thrives on order, rules, and safety. Any breakdown of these principles endangers lives,” the senator said.
He further called on other aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), to support NCAA in tightening enforcement.
Globally, unruly passenger behavior has been flagged as a serious challenge by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The organization warns that verbal and physical assaults against crew members threaten the safety of flights and could result in legal penalties, fines, or lifetime travel bans.
Nigeria’s aviation stakeholders argue that the Ibom Air incident should serve as a wake-up call to passengers about the consequences of misconduct in the air.
Similarly, airlines are expected to improve staff training in conflict de-escalation and reinforce policies on handling disputes professionally.
The NCAA has confirmed that both Emmanson and Edward will face questioning on Wednesday in Abuja as part of the formal inquiry.
The outcome of the investigation could determine whether disciplinary measures, penalties, or legal action will follow.
Meanwhile, Ibom Air has maintained silence on the latest summons but had earlier assured the public that safety and professionalism remain central to its operations.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the importance of discipline, respect, and professionalism in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
For the NCAA, this is not just about resolving one altercation but about setting a precedent that will deter future occurrences.
With domestic air travel growing rapidly and Ibom Air among the leading carriers, industry watchers say the findings of this case will likely influence future regulations on both passenger conduct and crew accountability.