The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Comfort Emmanson, Juliana Edward, and members of the Ibom Air cabin crew for further questioning following an incident aboard a Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10.
The altercation, which was captured in viral video clips, showed Ms. Emmanson being “dragged” by airline staff, sparking outrage on social media.
According to Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Authority held an initial meeting with Ms. Emmanson and her colleagues on Tuesday and directed them to appear again on Wednesday for a “continued investigation.”
Achimugu explained that the “pilot-in-command” did not call security after landing in Lagos because the matter appeared to have been resolved before departure from Uyo. However, since Ms. Emmanson was the “last passenger to disembark,” the issue attracted heightened attention.
He assured the public that the NCAA would conduct a “thorough probe” to establish the facts and ensure fairness.
Meanwhile, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, linked the rise in “unruly behaviour” within the sector to lapses in passenger discipline as well as “professional conduct failures” among airport staff and crew. He commended NCAA for upholding regulatory standards and urged other aviation bodies to strengthen measures to safeguard the industry.
