|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is investigating the altercation between passenger Comfort Emmanson and the Ibom Air crew. It met with those involved and assured a thorough review to uphold professionalism and safety in the aviation sector.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a formal investigation into the altercation between passenger Comfort Emmanson and members of the Ibom Air crew.
As part of the probe, NCAA officials met in Abuja on August 20 with Juliana Edward, a crew member accused of masterminding the incident, and other staff directly involved. NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed the development in a post on his X account on August 21.
The NCAA team comprised representatives from key directorates, including Aviation Security, Operations, Licensing, Training Standards, Legal, and Consumer Protection.
Michael Achimugu said these units were working together to ensure a thorough and impartial review. He confirmed that Comfort was also scheduled to meet with the Authority, accompanied by her legal counsel.
The controversy stems from a viral video showing Ibom Air officials mishandling Comfort Emmanson during a flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, leading to her breasts being exposed. She was later arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, before regaining freedom after Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo directed the airline to withdraw its complaint.
Speaking during the Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders Meeting, Michael explained that the pilot did not call for security intervention when the flight landed because the issue appeared resolved in the air.
The NCAA assured that it would carry out a transparent investigation and remain committed to upholding professionalism and safety in the aviation sector.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, blamed the rising unruly behaviour in the sector on a decline in discipline among passengers, airline staff, and airport officials. He urged aviation agencies to work more closely with the NCAA to strengthen professionalism and security in the industry.
