The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged passengers aboard Ibom Air flight IAN513 from Uyo to Lagos last Sunday to come forward with firsthand accounts to support the ongoing investigation.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, asked passengers who witnessed the incident to contact him via direct message or email at michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng. He emphasized that only verified passengers would be engaged to ensure a fair and balanced investigation.
Achimugu acknowledged the unruly behavior during the flight but underscored the authority’s commitment to holding accountable everyone involved. NCAA officers in Lagos will conduct a fact-finding mission, collaborating with police and aviation security personnel.
He stressed that the incident exposes operational gaps in the aviation system, describing it as “a test for the system” that offers an opportunity to enhance safety protocols.
Social media videos showed passenger Comfort Emmanson attacking flight attendants and clashing with airport security. Ibom Air stated the disturbance began when she refused to switch off her mobile phone as required before takeoff, posing a safety risk.
The airline has banned Emmanson from future flights, and she was subsequently arraigned and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Center in Lagos on Monday.
