The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged an impartial investigation into the viral Ibom Air incident involving a passenger and cabin crew, but cautioned that “self-help” and unruly conduct will not be tolerated in aviation.
“No matter the provocation, rest assured you can always file your complaints with the NCAA and they will be addressed,” said Mike Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. “Self-help is not permissible in aviation anywhere.”
Achimugu assured that the authority will ensure fairness to all parties involved, following Monday’s widely shared videos showing passenger Comfort Emmanson assaulting a crew member on a Uyo–Lagos flight.
The altercation, which required security intervention, reportedly began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile device before takeoff despite repeated instructions.
According to Ibom Air, the passenger only complied after a fellow traveller switched off her phone.
The airline alleges that upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson confronted the purser who had instructed her earlier, stepping on her, tearing off her wig, snatching her glasses, throwing them to the ground, and assaulting her with footwear.
In response, Ibom Air imposed a no-fly ban on the passenger and initiated legal proceedings — a move NCAA insists is within the airline’s rights. Achimugu added that the parties may still resolve the matter amicably if they wish.
The NCAA spokesman also reiterated the importance of obeying crew instructions, stressing that unruly passenger behaviour can carry “serious and far-reaching consequences.”
Monday’s drama comes just days after the NCAA handed Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate) a six-month flight ban for disruptive conduct at Abuja airport.
